Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Timor Leste's Prime Minister Jose Alexandre Xanana Gusmao, in Beijing, capital of China, April 8, 2014. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang on Tuesday met with Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao on stronger bilateral relations.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), first reviewed the growing bilateral relations since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in May 2002.

Zhang said the decision made by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Gusmao to forge an all-round cooperative partnership between the two countries will surely help to deepen bilateral practical cooperation.

The NPC is willing to enhance friendly exchanges with the parliament of Timor-Leste and implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries so as to add new impetus to the sound and lasting development of bilateral ties and let both peoples benefit from cooperation outcomes, Zhang said.

Gusmao spoke highly of China's active role in peace, security and development issues of international and regional affairs, and appreciated China's support for Timor-Leste's national construction.

He expressed the hope that the two countries can enhance cooperation in various fields in the hope of forging ahead bilateral ties to new development.

Earlier Tuesday, Xi and Gusmao announced a decision to forge an all-round cooperative partnership between the two countries to deepen reciprocal cooperation in pursuit of common development.

Apart from his stay in Beijing, Gusmao is expected to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2014 to be held in south China's Hainan Province from April 8 to 11.