Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, meets with Seychellois President James Alix Michel at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 3, 2006. James Alix Michel is in Beijing for a state visit to China and the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which is scheduled for Nov. 4-5. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

China is willing to deepen all-round cooperation and hopes to enhance inter-parliamentary exchanges with Seychelles, top lawmaker Wu Bangguo told visiting Seychellois President James Alix Michel Friday in Beijing.

"We are ready to bring forward the friendly cooperation with Seychelles on the basis of mutual respect and reciprocity," said Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

Meanwhile, the NPC is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the Seychellois parliament, ensure all inter-governmental agreements are put into practice and push forward the concrete cooperation between the two countries, he said.

Despite the drastic changes in the international and domestic situations, relations between China and Seychelles have been going on smoothly since they forged diplomatic ties 30 years ago.

"The two countries have continuously enhanced political trust, carried out fruitful cooperation in diverse sectors and maintained collaboration in international affairs," said Wu.

He stressed China's stand that all countries, big or small, rich or poor, strong or weak, are all equal members of the international society.

Michel said Seychelles has enjoyed traditional friendship with China and their governments, parliaments and parties have maintained close contacts.

His present China tour is aimed at enhancing the established friendship with China and cementing bilateral ties, the president said.

Wu and Michel spoke highly of China-Africa relations and expressed trust that the forthcoming Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will promote friendship and cooperation in a larger scope, wider area and at a higher level.

Michel arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, kicking off his state visit to China.

He held talks with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao on Thursday.

He will also attend the Beijing Summit scheduled for Nov. 4 to 5.

After the summit, Michel will visit Changsha, capital city of central China's Hunan province, and Haikou, capital city of China's southernmost Hainan province.

Seychelles is one of China's government-approved outbound tourist destinations. Bilateral trade has been growing rapidly, with trade volume totaling 3.41 million U.S. dollars in 2005.