On June 20, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Wu Bangguo met in the Great Hall of the People with Chilean Senate Speaker Sergio Romero and his delegation from the Chilean parliament.

Wu said although China and Chile are far away from each other geographically, the exchanges and friendship between the peoples enjoy a long history. Chile has always been a leader in Latin American countries in developing relations with China. Since the two countries established diplomatic ties 35 years ago, China-Chile relations have been developing smoothly. At present bilateral relations are in a period of accelerated development with growing political mutual trust, fast development of economic and trade relations with significant potential, and sound cooperation international and regional organizations. China would like to work with Chile to accelerate the implementation of the important consensus reached between the heads of state of the two countries on the development of bilateral relations so as to promote the China-Chile comprehensive cooperative partnership.

Wu made positive remarks over Senate Speaker Romero's proposal of establishing an exchange mechanism between the Chilean parliament and the Chinese NPC. He said parliamentary exchanges are an important part of national relations. China's NPC would like to maintain top-level exchanges of visit with the Senate and House of Representatives of Chile and enhance exchanges between ad hoc committees, friendship groups and working agencies so as to enrich and reinvigorate bilateral relations.

Romero said this year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Chile-China diplomatic ties. Bilateral relations in politics, economy and trade have been boosted continuously. His current visit is aimed to promote new progress in the already sound friendly relations between the two countries and enhance the exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries so as to contribute to the comprehensive development of Chile-China relations.