China, Colombia agree to promote legislative exchanges

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Colombian Congress President Iván Name Vásquez and President of the Chamber of Representatives of Colombia Andrés David Calle Aguas in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 30, 2024. [Photo by Liu Weibing/Xinhua]

BEIJING, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, met with Colombian Congress President Iván Name Vásquez and President of the Chamber of Representatives of Colombia Andrés David Calle Aguas in Beijing on Tuesday. They agreed to promote exchanges and cooperation between their legislative bodies.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that the heads of state of China and Colombia announced the establishment of the China-Colombia strategic partnership last October, opening a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Colombia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and contribute to the long-term development of the China-Colombia strategic partnership.

China appreciates Colombia's long-term adherence to the one-China principle and is willing to deepen practical cooperation in various fields. It is hoped that the two sides will work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity and advocate for an equal, orderly, multipolar world and for economic globalization that is inclusive and beneficial to all, Zhao said.

The legislatures of the two countries should play their roles in creating a sound legal environment for strengthened trade and investment cooperation and expanded personnel exchanges, he added.

Name and Calle said that Colombia adheres firmly to the one-China principle. Colombia hopes to learn from China's development experience, strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies, and promote dynamic and friendly relations between the two countries. 

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Colombian Congress President Iván Name Vásquez and President of the Chamber of Representatives of Colombia Andrés David Calle Aguas in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 30, 2024. [Photo by Liu Weibing/Xinhua]