The further development of the China-Brazil relationship will need support from the legislative bodies of the two countries, Premier Li Keqiang (R) said when he met with President Renan Calheiros of the Brazilian Federal Senate on May 19. [Photo/Xinhua]

BRASILIA - Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met here Tuesday with Renan Calheiros, president of the Federal Senate of the Brazilian National Congress, and Eduardo Cunha, president of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. Both sides agreed to boost ties.

Li said China and Brazil, with mutual political trust, have pushed forward practical cooperation in various fields and laid an extensive and solid foundation for developing bilateral relations.

He said his visit to Brazil aims at strengthening the traditional friendship between the two countries and exploring new areas of bilateral cooperation, which will help develop the China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership in a better way.

The Chinese premier said he hoped that the legislatures of the two countries would support the enhancement of bilateral ties through increasing exchanges, communication and mutual understanding, and providing necessary legal safeguards for the development of bilateral relations.

Calheiros agreed with Li, saying that Brazil and China should deepen their exchanges and cooperation, increase two-way investment and further promote bilateral ties.

He said the Brazilian Federal Senate will further promote exchanges between the legislatures of the two countries.

Cunha said Brazil highly values China's achievements in economic and social development and is pleased to see progress in bilateral political, economic and cultural cooperation, adding that the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies supports strong ties with China and is willing to make further contributions.

For his part, Li said that China welcomes Brazilian parliamentary members to visit China to get to know more about the country.

After meeting with the parliamentary leaders, Li traveled to Rio De Janeiro to continue his visit.

Brazil is the first stop of the Chinese premier's four-nation Latin America tour, his first to the region since he assumed premiership in 2013. Besides Brazil, Li will also visit Colombia, Peru and Chile.