On the afternoon of December 3, 2012, Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met with President of Bolivian Senate Gabriela Montano at the Great Hall of the People.

Wu spoke highly of China-Bolivia relations, saying with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Bolivia friendly cooperative relations have made new progress continuously since the two countries forged diplomatic relations in 1985. Wu reviewed the close exchanges that exist between the governments, legislatures, parties and the people of the two countries. Both sides have deepened political mutual trust, shown mutual understanding and support on issues of mutual concern, steadily advanced economic and trade cooperation and extended it to such areas as satellite manufacturing and mineral resources development. Both sides have conducted fruitful exchanges in the fields of culture, education, science and technology and maintained close communication and coordination in international affairs. China and Bolivia are good friends having good faith and mutual trust and good partners with mutually beneficial cooperation. Deepening bilateral cooperation conforms to the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples. "China would like to work with Bolivia to develop bilateral relations and bring more benefits to the two peoples," Wu said.

Montano said despite the distance keeping the two countries apart, Bolivia always pays close attention to China's progress and development. Bolivia is advancing the political, economic and social reforms, and putting focus on developing the economy and improving people's livelihood. Bolivia would like to learn from China's experience, particularly good practices on developing market economy, strengthening macro control and safeguarding social fairness. Montano also underscored Bolivia's commitment to deepening all-round mutual-beneficial cooperation with China so as to push state relations to a new level.

On legislative ties, Wu said China has always advocated respect for the right of the people of all countries to choose their social system and development path. The Chinese side understands and supports the Bolivian people's efforts to explore a development path suited to its own national conditions. China's NPC would like to work more closely with Bolivia's senate to enhance exchanges on state governance and building democracy and law and exchange views on issues of common concern so as to inject new vitality into state relations.

Montano is visiting China as guest of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.