China's National People's Congress hopes to enhance exchanges with Canada's parliament. "We hope the two countries would improve the exchange mechanism so that we can share views on issues of common concern and make substantial achievement on promoting relations between the two parliaments and countries," said Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, meets with members of a delegation of the Canada-China parliamentary association at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, October 9.

He told a delegation from the Canada-China parliamentary association that Sino-Canadian cooperation had expanded in all areas since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 36 years ago. The visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao to Canada last year had upgraded bilateral relations to a new level. "China would like to work with Canada to push forward the strategic partnership in a stable and healthy way," Wu said.

The members of the delegation expressed their willingness to contribute to the development of Canada-China relations.

Wu also met with council members from Lions Clubs International. He congratulated them on the opening of the council meeting in Beijing. He expressed appreciation for its charity efforts in China and hoped it would further cooperate with the China Disabled Persons' Federation. The Chinese government and Lions Clubs International launched "Sight First China Action" in 1996 to help cataract patients with their eyesight.

Wu Bangguo (3rd R Front), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, meets with council members of the Lions Clubs International at the Great Hall of the People.

(Xinhua News Agency October 10, 2006)