Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo met a delegation of 25 US
congressmen Thursday, saying that their two countries had much more
uniting them than separating them, adding that differences of
opinion on some issues are to be expected due to contrasting
historical and cultural backgrounds.
Bilateral cooperation in various fields "had seen substantial
benefits come to both countries and their peoples," Wu
insisted.
Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's
Congress (NPC), made the remarks in his meeting with a delegation
of 25 US parliamentary members, saying that different views on some
issues "are normal" due to different historical and cultural
backgrounds.
"What's most important is that we have much more in common than
what separates us, and we have established mechanisms to address
our differences," Wu said.
Wu praised the recent development of the China-US relations in
recent years, with frequent high-level contacts, greater trust and
closer coordination on international issues had built a more solid
foundation to be built for future cooperation.
"The growth of bilateral ties should not be undermined by
differences on some specific issues," Wu said.
Regarding parliamentary exchanges, Wu spoke on the exchange
mechanisms existing between the NPC and both parts of the US
Congress, adding that these had contributed to the steady
development of Sino-American relations.
"We are especially pleased to see that voices calling for
dialogue and cooperation with China are growing stronger in the US
Congress," Wu said.
Twenty-five Congressmen from the Judiciary Committee and Foreign
Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives and the Aspen
Institute met with Wu, with all stating their respect for China's
achievements and their hope of seeing China and the US promote
their common interests.
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(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2007)