Legislative bodies of China and France launched their regular parliamentary exchange mechanism on Thursday, vowing to further push forward the Sino-French comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wu Bangguo (L), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), meets with Bernard Accoyer, speaker of French National Assembly, in Paris, capital of France, July 8, 2010. [Ju Peng/Xinhua]

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of Chinese National People's Congress (NPC), and Bernard Accoyer, speaker of the French National Assembly, jointly declared the beginning of the first meeting of Sino-French Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.

Wu said the launch of the high-level meeting between the two legislative bodies signals the Sino-French parliamentary exchanges were promoted to a new stage.

Accoyer said the regular parliamentary exchange mechanism could serve as an important platform for both nations to exchange views on mutual concerns and promote bilateral cooperation in politics, technology, new energy and environmental protection.

Ahead of the meeting, Wu and Accoyer held talks on bilateral ties and parliamentary cooperation.

Accoyer said France attached great importance to Wu's visit as Wu is the first Chinese top legislator that visited France in 13 years.

France regards China as a strategic partner, expecting to expand all-round strategic cooperation with China, boost coordination on international issues, through joint efforts against global financial crisis, climate change and other challenges, he said.

Wu said his ongoing visit to France is aimed to build a closer relation between the Chinese NPC and the French National Assembly. He stressed that China will hold more dialogues and communications with France to enhance political mutual trust and boost the Sino- French economic cooperation.

Earlier on the day, Wu held talks with French Senate President Gerard Larcher. The two leaders agreed that parliamentary exchange plays an important role in developing the Sino-French ties and enhancing mutual understanding between the two peoples.