China's top legislator sends condolences to Venezuelan counterpart over Chavez's death

BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Wu Bangguo, China's top legislator, on Wednesday extended condolences to his Venezuelan counterpart over the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

In a message to President of the Venezuelan National Assembly Diosdado Cabello, Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), said Chavez promoted the China-Venezuela strategic partnership, which has benefited both countries and peoples.

The NPC is willing to continue strengthening exchanges with the Venezuelan legislature so as to further contribute to the strategic partnership, he said.

Chavez, who ruled Venezuela for over 14 years, died Tuesday at the age of 58 after a long battle against cancer.