Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo on Monday said the country was ready to increase cooperation with Singapore.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks when meeting with Singaporean Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

Wu applauded Lee's role in promoting Sino-Singaporean relations, saying that the bilateral ties had always maintained sound growth momentum under the joint efforts of leaders and peoples.

The two countries enjoyed frequent exchanges, increasing mutual trust and understanding, and expanding economic and trade cooperation, he said.

China and Singapore on Thursday signed a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) ahead of the seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) held in Beijing on Oct. 24-25.

Wu said the signing of the FTA injected new vitality into the bilateral cooperation.

Expressing satisfaction over the Sino-Singaporean relations, Wu hoped the two nations would further increase cooperation to achieve common development.

This was Lee's 29th visit to China. Lee said every time when he came here, he could see the "distinct changes" in China.

Praising China for the remarkable achievements over the past three decades, Lee said China's development was conducive for Singapore and other southeast Asian nations and the world.

Wu and Lee also discussed the current international financial situation.

Lee, Singapore's first prime minister after the city state's independence in 1965, just celebrated his 85th birthday. He is regarded in China as one of the key witnesses to the great changes that have taken place in the country.

(Xinhua News Agency October 28, 2008)