China's top political advisor meets Cote d'Ivoire parliament leader

China's top political advisory body is willing to work with Cote d'Ivoire's parliament to deepen friendly cooperation and strengthen communication between the two countries, China's top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng said Thursday.

China and Cote d'Ivoire have maintained good relations on the basis of mutual respect and equality since the establishment of diplomatic ties 33 years ago, Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said during a meeting with Cote d'Ivoire's Parliament Speaker Guillaume Soro.

Yu said China-Cote d'Ivoire relations are now at their best with deepened mutual political trust, ever-closer trade and economic cooperation, active people-to-people exchanges, as well as good communication and coordination on international affairs.

The 10 major plans for China-Africa cooperation, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2015, go well with Cote d'Ivoire's 2016-2020 national development plan, said Yu.

He noted that China stands ready to work with Cote d'Ivoire to take the opportunity of implementation of the fruitful results of the Johannesburg summit so as to push China-Cote d'Ivoire relations to a new level.

While congratulating Cote d'Ivoire on its economic development in recent years, Yu said China also appreciates the efforts of Cote d'Ivoire's parliament to actively promote bilateral cooperation.

The Chinese government and people strongly condemn the recent terrorist attack in Cote d'Ivoire, added Yu.

Soro, for his part, said China and Cote d'Ivoire are good friends and partners. He thanked Yu for his visit to the country shortly after the terrorist attack, saying the visit showcases the sincere friendship between the two countries.

Cote d'Ivoire is satisfied with the fruitful results of bilateral cooperation in various areas, and is looking forward to further enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation with China, said Soro.

Soro also noted that Cote d'Ivoire's parliament is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with China's top legislative and political advisory bodies to draw on China's successful experience in speeding up industrialization and reducing unemployment, so as to push forward bilateral pragmatic cooperation for the benefits of the two peoples.

Cote d'Ivoire is also grateful to be listed as a tourist destination by China, added Soro. Endi