Zhang Dejiang (R, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), meets with Julian Dominguez, president of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Argentine parliament, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 28, 2013. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING -- China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Argentina, the top legislator said Sunday.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met with Julian Dominguez, president of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Argentine National Congress, in Beijing Sunday morning.

Zhang said Argentina is an important partner for China in South America.

"China places great importance on developing its relations with Argentina," he said.

He said China is ready to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Argentina in all areas, bring greater benefits to the people of the two countries and continuously strengthen the China-Argentina strategic partnership.

Zhang said the NPC has always placed importance on strengthening cooperation with the Argentine National Congress.

He also expressed China's readiness to boost exchanges of experience in the areas of legislation and national governance.

He called for the legislatures of the two countries to carry out in-depth dialogue on issues of common interest, adding that such dialogue can play a unique role in enhancing mutual trust and advancing practical cooperation.

Dominguez said multiple parties and groups of the Argentine legislature have agreed to develop relations with China.

He said the Argentine side respects China's choices regarding its path of development.

He said the Argentine Chamber of Deputies is ready to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the NPC to contribute to the advancement of bilateral relations.

Top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng also met with Dominguez on Sunday.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), reviewed the growth of China-Argentine relations since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1972.

Yu said China is Argentina's second-largest trade partner, citing robust cooperation in energy, agriculture, finance and infrastructure.

Yu underscored the CPPCC's commitment to strengthening ties with the Argentine legislature.

Dominguez said the Argentine legislature places great importance on developing its ties with CPPCC and called for stronger exchanges and cooperation.

Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), meets with Julian Dominguez, president of the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the Argentine parliament, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 28, 2013. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)