Top legislator Wu Bangguo met in Beijing on Wednesday with Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives Jose De Venecia. The two sides agreed to further expand bilateral parliamentary exchanges.

Hailing the great achievements of Sino-Philippine relations, Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), told De Venecia that China values its ties with the Philippines and will work closely with the Philippines to advance bilateral cooperation on large trade projects.

Concerning parliamentary exchanges, Wu called on both sides to maintain sound momentum of exchanges, enhance contacts between special committees and departments in a bid to make greater contribution to expand bilateral strategic cooperation.

He also expressed appreciation for the Philippines' adherence to the one-China policy as well as its opposition to "Taiwan Independence".

In response, De Venecia said China's rapid economic growth has provided important opportunity for Asian countries. Saying that bilateral ties are entering a golden age, he vows to further cement parliamentary exchanges and make new contribution to beef up bilateral relations.

(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2008)