Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, shakes hands with Ethiopian Speaker of the House of Federation Kassa Teklebirhan in Beijing, capital of China, April 8, 2015. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING -- Top legislator Zhang Dejiang met on Wednesday with Ethiopian Federal Council Speaker Kassa Teklebirhan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Zhang said Ethiopia is an important partner in China-Africa cooperation. Since the two countries established diplomatic links 45 years ago, Zhang said, the two sides have maintained close contact among senior leaders, reached great results in bilateral cooperation and enhanced friendship between their people. He added that the China-Ethiopia relationship is a model of south-south relations.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said the NPC values friendly relations with the Federal Council of Ethiopia. He said the two sides should step up exchanges on governance, strengthen the legal basis for practical cooperation and develop social support for enhancing bilateral ties. He called for the two countries to build a mutually beneficial relationship so as to bring tangible benefits to the two peoples and advance bilateral ties and development.

Kassa said Ethiopia regards China as a strategic partner. He said his country is ready to maintain good momentum in high-level contacts and implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. He said Ethiopia is ready to implement major cooperative projects and expand people-to-people and inter-parliament exchanges.