Wang Zhaoguo, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislative body, met visiting Cyprus House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias on Thursday.

The two parties exchanged views on bilateral relations and parliamentary ties between the two countries, according to sources with the NPC.

Wang said relations between China and Cyprus have developed rapidly in various fields, such as politics, economics, culture and tourism. "We also understand and support each other in international affairs," he added.

He said the NPC would actively promote the friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two parliaments and he hoped bilateral youth exchanges could be strengthened.

Wang stressed that he was greatly impressed by the hospitality and beautiful sights in Cyprus during his visit to Cyprus in 2006.

Christofias had held talks on Wednesday with Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC. He said the talks had been "fruitful".

"We discussed how to further develop relations between the two countries and the two parliaments, and exchanged views on some major international issues," he said.

He added that he and Wu both agreed that it was of great significance to set up a friendly group in each other's parliament.

Christofias also met with Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, on Thursday morning, before meeting Wang Zhaoguo.

Christofias arrived in Beijing on Tuesday at the invitation of Wu. He will also visit Hunan province in central China.

Source: Xinhua