Wu Bangguo, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, China's top legislative body, meets with Croatian Parliament Speaker Boris Sprem in Zagreb, May 18, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

During their meeting in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, on Friday, visiting Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo and his Croatian counterpart vowed to promote bilateral exchanges.

Calling the Sino-Croatia relations a "model" for bilateral ties between different civilizations and social mechanisms, Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, China's top legislative body, said Sino-Croatia relations are based on a concrete political foundation, and the two sides have always supported each other on issues of crucial interests and concerns.

Wu said China sees Croatia as a "reliable friend and partner" in southeast Europe and the country has become China's biggest trade partner in the area.

Making the remarks during a meeting with Boris Sprem, Wu said China and Croatia have witnessed smooth development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 20 years ago, and the visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao in 2009 has added new driving power for the development of the Sino-Croatian relationship.

Wu urged the two sides to take the opportunity of the 20th anniversary to deepen political trust and promote cooperation in all fields.

Making legislative exchanges a priority, the Chinese lawmaker said legislatures should serve as a constructive power in bilateral relations.

He suggested expanding parliamentary communication to subordinate committees and working bodies, as well as to consolidate the foundation of public opinion to facilitate trade and investment.

Despite the differences in political institutions and social mechanisms, Wu said the two countries have issues of common concerns, such as developing the economy, improving people's livelihood and promoting democracy and the rule of law.

"The two sides can choose those of shared concerns to exchange experiences," he said, a suggestion that was supported by Sprem.

Welcoming the Chinese delegation, the Parliament speaker reaffirmed Croatia's stance on the one-China policy.

Sprem has spoken highly of China's achievement in dealing with the financial crisis, and Croatia is willing to deepen economic cooperation in all fields as a good friend of the Chinese.

Wu's six-day visit to Croatia is the second leg of his European tour, which will also take him to Luxembourg and Spain. Prior to Croatia, Wu was in the Netherlands for three days.