Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with Speaker of the National Assembly of Gambia Mariam Jack Denton at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 18, 2017. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
BEIJING, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Gambia on Monday agreed to further parliamentary exchanges and cooperation.
China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang held talks with Speaker of the National Assembly of Gambia Mariam Jack Denton in Beijing.
Zhang, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries started a new chapter in political mutual trust, economic and trade cooperation, as well as people-to-people exchanges.
China attaches great importance to its ties with Gambia, Zhang said, noting that China supports Gambian new government's efforts to improve people's wellbeing and realize sustainable development.
Zhang said relations between legislatures of the two countries are an important part of bilateral ties, and China's NPC is willing to work with National Assembly of Gambia to contribute to the development of bilateral friendly and cooperative relations.
He suggested the two legislative bodies cement political mutual trust, enhance pragmatic cooperation and experience-sharing in state governance, legislation and supervision, boost people-to-people exchanges in parties, youth and sub-national level.
Zhang called on the two sides to firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests.
China and Gambia have great cooperative potential in agriculture, fishery, infrastructure and tourism, Zhang said, expressing his hope that the two legislative bodies should provide legal protection and policy support for these pragmatic cooperation.
Denton said Gambia values its ties with China and firmly adheres to the one-China policy.
She said the National Assembly of Gambia is willing to communicate more with China's NPC, expressing hope for more cooperation with China.
