BRASILIA, July 16 -- Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping told Brazilian parliamentary leaders Wednesday that it is imperative that the two nations boost their cooperation.

In a complex and profoundly-changing world, there's great potential and broad space for stronger cooperation between the two major developing countries -- the world's second and seventh largest economy, respectively, Xi said during talks with Brazilian Senate President Renan Calheiros and Chamber of Deputies President Henrique Eduardo Alves.

The Chinese leader said he is delighted to visit Brazil this year as the two sides are commemorating 40 years of diplomatic ties. Bilateral relations are now at a critical stage connecting the past with the future, he noted.

Calling inter-parliamentary cooperation a crucial part of bilateral ties, Xi urged the two sides to strengthen exchanges to bolster mutual understanding and cooperation in such fields as law-making, supervision and state governing.

The Chinese leader encouraged Brazilian lawmakers to make further contribution in boosting the friendship between the two countries.

Calheiros and Alves said that the Brazilian parliament and various political parties agree that it is a policy priority for their country to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

They also hailed the outcome of the just-concluded sixth BRICS summit, especially the establishment of a development bank and a contingent reserve arrangement.

The Brazilian parliament firmly supports intra-BRICS cooperation, they said, vowing to work hard to strengthen exchanges between the legislative bodies of BRICS members.

Also on Wednesday, Xi, accompanied by Calheiros and Alves, visited a photo exhibit depicting China-Brazil amity in the past 40 years.