(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-24 17:31

BEIJING -- China's top advisory body vowed on Saturday to establish a regular exchange mechanism with Russia's parliament.

"The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) hopes to establish a regular exchange mechanism with the upper and lower houses of the Russian parliament, as well as the public chamber," said Jia Qinglin, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee.

The CPPCC National Committee would promote cooperation between the businesses and regions of the two countries, Jia told visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who arrived in Beijing Friday afternoon.

"Reinforcing good-neighborly relations with Russia and the strategic and cooperative partnership are China's consistent policy," Jia said.

He called the China-Russia partnership "a significant and strategic choice" in line with the times, which conforms to the people's aspirations.

Hailing Sino-Russian ties as developing "at an unprecedented level," Jia said the two countries have enhanced cooperation in trade, energy resources, investment and regional and international affairs.

Medvedev said Russia-China ties are important for world peace and stability, and contacts between the legislative and consultative bodies have played an important role in promoting mutual understanding.

He hoped Russia and China would work together in all fields.

The China tour is Medvedev's first visit outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) since he was sworn in on May 7.