China, Finland look to boost inter-parliamentary co-op

Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, meets with Finnish Parliament Speaker Eero Heinaluoma in Beijing, capital of China, June 13, 2013. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

China and Finland on Friday agreed to further their inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The agreement was reached as visiting Finnish Parliament Speaker Eero Heinaluoma met with China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang and top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng, respectively, on Thursday afternoon in Beijing.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), highlighted the countries' bilateral cooperation that features mutual benefit and is based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, noting that such cooperation has laid a solid political foundation for the development of bilateral ties.

In April, leaders of the two countries reached an important consensus on constructing a new cooperative partnership, bringing the relationship between the two nations to a higher level, Zhang said, pledging that the NPC would make joint efforts with the Finnish parliament to maintain friendly exchanges at various levels on managing national development, democracy, legislature and the legal system.

Heinaluoma expressed his appreciation for China's achievements in its national development, praising China's active role in dealing with global issues and vowing to further exchanges and cooperation between the Finnish parliament and the NPC.