Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), meets with the U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 12, 2015. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING -- Top legislator Zhang Dejiang on Thursday met with U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, calling for more exchanges and communication between the top legislature and the U.S. Congress.

Calling China-U.S. relations "of great importance," Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said China and the United States agreed to continue to build a new type of major-country relations during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the United States in September.

Both presidents made clear the correct direction of development of bilateral ties and reached a series of agreements during the visit, sending a positive signal to the outside world that China and the United States are committed to dialogue and cooperation, Zhang said.

He called on the NPC and U.S. Congress to enhance communication and exchanges, deepen mutual understanding and advance substantial cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect and common ground.

The chairman encouraged both sides to do more to promote mutual trust and cooperation so as to promote the development of bilateral relations and benefit the people of both countries and the world.

Speaking highly of the meeting between the two presidents, Pelosi said she expected the two countries' legislatures to step up exchanges to boost friendship between the two peoples.

Earlier on Thursday, Zhang Ping, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, hosted a meeting between the NPC and the U.S. congressional delegation led by Pelosi.

The two had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on issues including bilateral ties, legislative exchanges and climate change.

Zhang Dejiang (3rd R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), meets with the U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (3rd L) in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 12, 2015. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)