Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, meets with Dama Dramani, speaker of the National Assembly of Togo, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2015. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING -- Top legislator Zhang Dejiang met with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Togo Dama Dramani on Tuesday in Beijing.

China-Togo relations have maintained smooth development since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 43 years ago, said Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

The NPC is willing to enhance exchanges with the National Assembly of Togo, in a bid to increase mutual understanding, deepen friendship and consolidate mutual trust, he said.

He called on the two legislative bodies to create a better legal environment for cooperation between the two countries and reinforce the social foundation of China-Togo relations.

The Togolese people have benefited from mutually beneficial cooperation with China, Dramani said, appreciating China's assistance to Togo.

The National Assembly of Togo hopes to forge a closer relationship with the NPC and learn from China's development experience, the speaker said.

Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, meets with Dama Dramani, speaker of the National Assembly of Togo, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2015. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)