China's Top Legislator Starts Visit to Indonesia

Wu Bangguo (L, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, is greeted upon his arrival in Denpasar, capital city of Bali province of Indonesia, Nov. 6, 2010. Wu arrived here on Saturday, kicking off his official visit to the country. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

DENPASAR, Indonesia, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo on Saturday arrived at Denpasar, capital city of Bali province of Indonesia, kicking off his official visit to the country.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, the country's top legislature, is paying the visit as guest of Speaker of the House of Representatives of Indonesia Marzuki Alie.

This is Wu's first visit to Indonesia, which coincided with the 60th anniversary of China-Indonesia diplomatic ties.

In a written statement issued upon his arrival at the airport, Wu first extended condolences to Indonesia as recent earthquake, tsunami and volcanic eruptions wrecked serious havoc on the country.

Wu said China would do what it can to help Indonesia with the disaster relief and reconstruction.

"I am convinced that the Indonesian people, under the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, would prevail over natural disasters and rebuild homes," Wu said.

Wu also reviewed the smooth growth of the traditional friendship between the two countries.

"China-Indonesia ties have entered a new era since the two countries upgraded their relations to strategic partnership in 2005," Wu said, citing deepening political trust, robust economic cooperation and frequent people-to-people exchanges.

On Monday, Wu will travel to Jakarta where he will meet with Indonesian leaders on bilateral relations, legislative exchanges and other issues of common concern.

"I expect the visit to help enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples and promote bilateral strategic partnership," Wu said.

Wu flew to Bali after concluding his four-day visit to Cambodia. The three-nation Southeast Asia tour will also take Wu to Thailand.
Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, waves to people upon his arrival in Denpasar, capital city of Bali province of Indonesia, Nov. 6, 2010. Wu arrived here on Saturday, kicking off his official visit to the country. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Source: Xinhua