Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, meets with Jean Besson, chairman of the French Parliament's France-China Friendship Group, in Beijing, China, July 1, 2014. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

BEIJING -- Top legislator Zhang Dejiang met with a visiting French parliamentary delegation on Tuesday.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), the country's legislature, reviewed the consensus reached by the presidents of the two countries in March, saying their decision to usher in a new era in the China-France partnership has charted a path for bilateral relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited France in March, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations between the countries.

Zhang attributed the high level of interaction and cooperation between the NPC and the French Parliament to friendship and a sound exchange mechanism.

The French delegation is led by Jean Besson, chairman of the French Parliament's France-China Friendship Group.

Besson said the French senate would like to work with the NPC to increase the frequency of exchanges and contribute to France-China friendship.

Zhang urged the two sides to take the big picture of China-France relations into account, seek a better role for the friendship group, organize more exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and trust, promote cooperation in all fields and seek strengthening of China-France relations.

Besson and his delegation will conclude the China visit on Wednesday.