The National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, and the European Parliament (EP) vowed here on Tuesday to forge closer cooperation to address significant international issues such as the current financial crisis.

The two sides voiced the commitment during the 27th meeting of the China-EU parliamentary regular exchange mechanism held from Monday to Tuesday. According to a press release from the news office of the NPC Standing Committee, the two sides also exchanged views on issues concerning China-EU relations, energy, climate change, food safety and human rights.

The Chinese side highlighted the significance of China-EU relations, said the press release, noting that the country is willing to step up the friendly exchange and cooperation with the EU based on the principles of mutual respect and equality.

The NPC said it would like to make joint efforts with the EP to promote dialogue, understanding, and mutual trust among parliamentary members in a bid to input new vigor into boosting China-EU relations.

It called on the EP to handle bilateral relations in a long-term and strategic perspective and play a constructive role in maintaining the growth momentum of inter-parliamentary cooperation, said the press release.

China will work with the international community members, including the European Union (EU), to tackle the challenge posed by the international financial crisis, according to the press release.

The EP delegation headed by Dirk Sterckx, chairman of the EP delegation for relations with China, also highlighted the special importance of the EU-China comprehensive and strategic partnership, saying furthering bilateral cooperation serves the interests of both sides and reiterating its adherence to the one-China policy, the press release added.

(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2008)