China, Nigeria pledge to cement parliamentary links

BEIJING, May 12 -- China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang and visiting Nigerian Senate President David Mark agreed in Beijing on Monday to facilitate stronger parliamentary ties between both countries.

Zhang, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, hailed the achievements of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Nigeria last week, adding both countries enjoy huge potential for greater cooperation.

Zhang recalled his trip to Nigeria last year, in which he had reached broad consensus with Mark in enhancing parliamentary cooperation.

Calling exchanges between the NPC and the Nigerian Parliament an important part of country-to-country ties, Zhang proposed both sides enhance the sharing of experiences in governance, strengthen exchanges in legislation and beef up legal protection for bilateral cooperation in various areas.

The two countries face similar tasks of development as China is deepening its reform and Nigeria is committed to economic transformation, Zhang said. "Therefore it's necessary for both sides to share their experiences, learn from each other and enhance research on governing a country," he added.

To cement bilateral exchanges in legislation would help respective country development, social stability and improvement of people's livelihoods, Zhang said.

"The NPC would like to work closely with the Nigerian Senate to give full play of the roles of the legislatures, and to boost China-Nigeria exchanges in diversified areas such as trade, investment and culture," he said.

Calling China a true reliable friend, Mark said China's support and aid for economic and social development of African countries including Nigeria was of profound influence.

The Nigerian Parliament hopes to further boost friendly ties with the NPC, enhance exchanges among leaders of respective legislatures and special committees, and facilitate greater bilateral cooperation in areas of trade, investment and anti-terrorism, he said.

Invited by Zhang, Mark is visiting China from May 10-13.