BEIJING, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, held talks here Wednesday afternoon with Kim Hyong-o, speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (ROK).

    Wu spoke highly of Sino-ROK relations and the positive role that the two legislatures have played in enhancing bilateral relations.

    China attaches importance to its relationship with the ROK and both countries are of great influence in the region, he said, noting that development of the bilateral relations accord with the fundamental interests of the two peoples and is conducive to the regional peace, stability and development.

Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, shakes hands with Speaker of the Republic of Korea (ROK) National Assembly Kim Hyong-o in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 18, 2009

    He suggested the two countries to enhance strategic mutual trust and economic and trade cooperation, and expand cultural and personnel exchanges.

    He also said the two legislatures should make closer contacts and develop and improve their regular exchange mechanism.

    Kim highly valued the measures that China taken to counter the global financial crisis, and its role in international affairs.

    He said the ROK attaches great importance to the relations with China, and the ROK legislature will further its relations with China's NPC.

    Kim is here for the visit Nov. 18-22 at the invitation of Wu.