国内英语新闻:China, Portugal vow to enhance exchanges and co-op

BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- China and Portugal agreed here Wednesday to enhance friendly exchanges and cooperation.

    Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo and top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin met with Portuguese parliament speaker Jaime Gama on Wednesday.

    Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, spoke highly of China-Portugal relations and noted that China always conducted its ties with Portugal from a strategic, long-term perspective and is ready to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, meets with Jaime Gama, speaker of Portugal's Assembly of the Republic (Parliament), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 6, 2009

    He called on the two countries to maintain the momentum of high-level contacts, forge stronger economic and trade ties, intensify personnel exchanges and strengthen consultation and coordination in international organizations.

    Gama, who is visiting China from May 5 to May 9 at the invitation of Wu, said that Portugal highly appreciated China's responsible attitude and effective policies adopted in tackling the world financial crisis and expressed the hope of furthering Portugal-China cooperation.

    Earlier Wednesday, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top advisory body, also met with Gama.

    Jia said the CPPCC hoped to enhance friendly relations with the Portuguese parliament and play an active role in promoting the development of bilateral relations.

    Gama said Portugal is willing to strengthen Portugal-China cooperation and exchanges in the fields of politics, economy, culture and science and technology.

Jia Qinglin (R Front), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Jaime Gama (L Front), speaker of Portugal's Assembly of the Republic (Parliament), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 6, 2009.