| China, Ghana to strengthen parliamentary co-op |
| 2008-04-01 |
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Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo met in Beijing on Monday with the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, Ebnezer Begyina Sekyi-Hughes, agreeing to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. Wu, who is chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislative body, said that the NPC attaches great importance to developing relations with the Parliament of Ghana. He pledged to maintain the momentum of high-level bilateral visits, strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the special committees and offices of both parliaments, and enhance bilateral coordination in international and regional parliamentary organizations. Wu hailed the relationship between the two countries, saying that China attached great importance to such relations and was ready to continuously promote practical cooperation on a win-win basis for mutual benefit. He also expressed his appreciation of Ghana's adherence to the one-China policy and support for China on the Taiwan and Tibet issues. Hughes said that Ghana's Parliament was willing to make joint efforts with the NPC to develop friendly and cooperative ties, adding that Ghana cherishes the traditional friendship with China and will firmly adhere to the one-China policy. Hughes also met on Monday with Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, and Abdul'ahat Abdulrixit, the vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee. Jia briefed Hughes on the work of CPPCC and said that the CPPCC is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Parliament of Ghana to develop bilateral relations. He also thanked Ghana's government and parliament for firmly adhering to the one-China policy and supporting China's reunification cause. Hughes agreed to promote cooperation between the Ghanaian parliament and the CCPCC, adding that Ghana appreciated China's aid and support and would continue to stick to the one-China policy. Hughes arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a one-week visit to China as guest of Jia. |