In his meeting with Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo, Vazquez said Uruguay would focus on cooperation with China in such fields as dealing with the international financial crisis, climate change and utilization of new and recycled energies.

Wu Bangguo (R Front), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, meets with Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez (L Front) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2009. [Rao Aimin/Xinhua]

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, said legislatures of the two countries have increased exchanges in recent years and played an active role in increasing mutual understanding and the development of bilateral ties.

He said the NPC is willing to work with Uruguay's parliament to develop exchanges and cooperation in various fields and make new contributions to the development of bilateral ties.

At the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, Vazquez arrived in Beijing Saturday morning for a six-day state visit.

Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, meets with Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2009. [Rao Aimin/Xinhua]

Vazquez left Beijing Tuesday evening and arrived in China's economic powerhouse Shanghai for a visit.

This is President Vazquez's first visit to China since he took office in 2005.

(Xinhua News Agency March 25, 2009)