On September 16, 2008, Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met at the Great Hall of the People with Provisional President of Argentine Senate Jose Pampuro who was here for the Beijing Paralympics closing ceremony.

Hailing the relations between China and Argentina, Wu said the two nations had enjoyed smooth growth in bilateral relations since forging diplomatic ties 36 years ago. The relations entered a new phase in 2004 with the successful exchange of visits between the two heads of state and the establishment of a strategic partnership. The two nations had witnessed increasing mutual political trust, deepening economic and trade cooperation and expanding exchanges in other fields, and maintained sound communication in major international and regional affairs. This brought substantial benefits to the two nations and their people, Wu noted. As both countries are highly complementary in economy, there is huge potential and broad prospect in their economic and trade cooperation. China would continue valuing the relations with Argentina from a strategic height, noted Wu. China was ready to work with the South American country to increase the pragmatic cooperation in the economic and trade sector, enrich China- Argentina strategic partnership and push for all-round, sustained and in-depth development of bilateral ties, he added.

Speaking highly of the existing relations between the two countries’ legislative bodies, Wu said the NPC would promote exchanges and cooperation with the Argentine Senate and House of Representatives at various levels and in all areas to contribute to deepening China-Argentina strategic partnership.

Pampuro congratulated Wu on the successful staging of the Beijing Olympics and said the Paralympics would also be wonderful. He said the Argentine parliament and government valued the strategic partnership with China. The Argentine Senate was willing to work with the NPC to play a more positive role in helping expand cooperation between the two nations on politics, economy and culture and build up their friendship.

Li Jianguo, Vice-Chairman and Secretary-General of NPC Standing Committee, attended the meeting.