国内英语新闻:China's top legislator meets Malian National Assembly president

BEIJING, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo met here Monday with President of the National Assembly of Mali Dioncounda Traore and the two sides pledged to enhance parliamentary exchanges.

Wu, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, welcomed his counterpart at the Great Hall of People in Beijing.

Wu said Mali was one of the first countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to establish diplomatic ties with China and bilateral relations between the two countries have endured various tests over the years.

The sustainable development of bilateral ties has its basis in political mutual respect and mutual economic benefit, Wu said.

He said Chinese President Hu Jintao's successful visit to Mali last year pushed bilateral relations to a new high.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Expressing hope to work with Mali to deepen friendship and expand cooperation, Wu said China's National People's Congress attaches great importance to exchanges with the Malian National Assembly.

Traore said Mali and China have traditional friendship and Mali admires China's national solidarity, social harmony and rapid economic growth.

Mali will further develop bilateral ties between the two countries and their parliaments, Traore said.

He reiterated Mali's strict observance of the one-China policy. He also said Mail supports China on issues concerning China's core interests.