China is willing to further consolidate mutual trust with the Republic of Korea and work together to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia, a senior Chinese leader said on Jan 29.

The new Chinese leadership highly values the relationship between China and the ROK, and would like to improve communication and coordination in international and regional affairs with the ROK, said Wu Bangguo, China's top legislator.

He made the remarks while meeting his counterpart, Kang Chang-hee, speaker of the ROK's National Assembly, at the sideline of the ongoing 21st Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum held in the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok.

Wu Bangguo (R), China's top legislator, meets with Kang Chang-hee,speaker of the ROK's National Assembly, at the sideline of the ongoing 21st Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum held in the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok on Jan 28. [Photo/Xinhua]

Kang said the ROK speaks highly of the constructive role that China plays in international and regional affairs, and would like to further strengthen communication and trust with China.

While meeting Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang, president of the Senate of Malaysia, on Tuesday, Wu said relations between China and ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) plays an important role in achieving peace and growth in Asia.

He said China is willing to work together with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to push forward a Sino-ASEAN strategic partnership to make a bigger contribution to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Wu also met Pany Yathotou, president of the Lao National Assembly, on Tuesday and expressed wishes to consolidate friendship and cooperation with the Lao PDR.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, arrived in Vladivostok on Jan 27 for the parliamentary forum meeting. It is the first time a Chinese top legislator has gone abroad to attend the forum since its founding in 1993.

About 360 parliamentarians from 25 countries, such as Russia, Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as representatives from seven international organizations attended the meeting.

Wu is scheduled to leave Vladivostok for Ulan Bator on Jan 30 to start the first official visit of a top Chinese legislator to Mongolia in 16 years.

Related stories:

China, ROK eye more Internet cooperation

China-ROK trade to top $250b in 2012

China-ROK 20-year friendship to continue

China, ROK start new round of FTA talks

Media forum helps promote China-ROK ties