Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Chairman of the Pakistani Senate Mian Raza Rabbani at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Nov. 16, 2015. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING -- China and Pakistan on Monday vowed to strengthen parliamentary exchanges to promote development of their strategic partnership.

The pledge came out of a meeting between top legislator Zhang Dejiang and Chairman of the Pakistani Senate Mian Raza Rabbani, who is on his first China visit since taking office.

The National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislative body, is ready to conduct closer exchanges with Pakistan's senate on national governance and legislative development to create better legal conditions for bilateral cooperation, Zhang said.

Zhang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said the two sides should maintain their friendly relations and promote sustainable development of China-Pakistan ties.

Rabbani praised the development of bilateral ties. He said the Pakistani senate will strengthen communication and exchanges with the NPC.

Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Chairman of the Pakistani Senate Mian Raza Rabbani at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Nov. 16, 2015. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)