国内英语新闻:Top Chinese legislator pledges stronger ties with Europe

BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo said here on Wednesday China highly values its relations with Europe, vowing to further promote China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remarks in his meetings with European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek, and a group of European party leaders who were here for the first-ever China-Europe High-Level Political Party Forum.

Wu hailed the progress of China-Europe ties over the years, citing enhanced political trust, fruitful cooperation, close coordination in global and regional affairs and the establishment of an annual summit mechanism and all-round strategic partnership.

China attaches great importance to developing ties with Europe, and considers China-Europe relations a priority in China's foreign policies, he told Buzek.

Buzek said China plays an increasingly important role at the global stage. The European Union highly values China's position, and he hopes to strengthen dialogues and cooperation between the European Parliament and the NPC to boost all-round relationship, Buzek added.

In a meeting with European party leaders, Wu reiterated that the CPC is ready to strengthen friendly exchanges with various parties of Europe to boost bilateral all-round strategic partnership.