Wu Bangguo, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, arrived in Singapore on Tuesday for a three-day official goodwill visit aimed at strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries.  

Wu came at the invitation of Singapore Prime Minister lee Hsien Loong and Parliament Speaker Abdullah Tarmugi.

In an arrival statement, Wu said China-Singapore relations have grown rapidly since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries 15 years ago.

The China-Singapore relationship has witnessed "increasing mutual understanding and trust, remarkable achievements in economic and trade cooperation, increasingly active cooperation in science and technology, culture, education, personnel training and other fields," Wu said.

The two countries also enjoy "well-maintained coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs," the Chinese top legislator said.

"To intensify friendly cooperation between China and Singapore serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries and peoples and is conducive to peace, stability and prosperity in the region," he added.

Wu said he is looking forward to having in-depth exchange of views with President S.R. Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Speaker Abdullah, and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew on bilateral relations and other issues of mutual interest.

Wu expressed the hope that through his visit, the traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Singapore will be strengthened and bilateral relations further developed.

On Wednesday, Wu will deliver a keynote speech at the China-Singapore Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum.

Singapore is the first leg of Wu's current four-nation Asia-Pacific tour, which will also take him to Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia.

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2005)