BEIJING -- Top legislator Zhang Dejiang pledged to strengthen ties with the Venezuelan National Assembly on Monday.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks during a meeting with Venezuelan National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello in the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

Zhang said China and Venezuela have enjoyed rapid development in bilateral relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties.

The NPC attaches great importance to developing relations with the Venezuelan National Assembly, he said, adding that China is willing to maintain high-level communication, strengthen cooperation among special committees and groups and enhance communication with Venezuela side so as to build a brighter future for the two countries' overall relations.

Cabello voiced hopes to step up party-to-party relations and enhance communication between the legislatures of both sides.

Wang Jiarui, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, also attended the meeting.