China's top trade union leader Wang Zhaoguo met in Beijing Monday with a delegation from the British Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the United Kingdom, vowing to facilitate exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

Wang told Brendan Barber, TUC general-secretary and head of the delegation, that the Chinese trade unions are ready to cement friendly ties with TUC on the basis of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's affairs.

Wang, also vice-chairman of China's National People's Congress, called on the two sides to cooperate closely to promote the building up of a just, reasonable, democratic and harmonious new order of international trade union movement.

In response, Barber said although the two countries have different systems, they face the same challenges and common task of development. It is important to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between trade unions of both sides in a bid to better protect workers' interests.

He hopes to develop closer ties with the Chinese trade unions and enhance mutual understanding and friendship through his current China tour.

(Xinhua News Agency November 7, 2007)