Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo said Friday in Beijing that China and Russia should further enhance exchange and cooperation between parliaments and parties.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Vladimir Zhirinovsky, vice-chairman of Russia's State Duma and chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party.

Sino-Russian relations have entered a new stage featuring comprehensive development. The two countries have enhanced political mutual-trust, expanded cooperation in trade and economy, science and technology, culture and military sectors, Wu said.

China and Russia supported each other on key issues concerning sovereignty and territorial integrity and carried out fruitful cooperation on major regional and international issues, he said.

Promoted by the two countries' state leaders, the Sino-Russian strategic partnership was enriched and developed, Wu noted.

Wu applauded exchange and cooperation between Chinese and Russian parties and parliaments.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) will carry out more good-will exchange with Russian major parties including the Liberal Democratic Party and the NPC will consolidate and develop relations with the State Duma and Federation Council, upper house of Russian parliament, he said.

Zhirinovsky hailed Russia-China relations, saying to maintain long-lasting and stable friendly cooperation with China is in the interest of the two peoples and will benefit world stability and development.

He hailed a joint statement issued earlier this week by Russian and Chinese state leaders on international order and the results of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.

The Liberal Democratic Party will, as before, promote exchange with Chinese parties and parliament in a bid to push forward the two countries' relations.

The Russian delegation was here as guest of the International Department of CPC Central Committee.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2005)