国内英语新闻:Moroccan speaker calls for setting up parliamentary forum with China

RABAT, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- Speaker of the Moroccan House of Advisors (parliament's upper house) Hakim Benchamach has called for establishing a Moroccan-Chinese parliamentary forum to promote dialogue between lawmakers of the two countries and strengthen bilateral relations.

Benchamach made the call at his meeting on Monday with visiting vice chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Du Qinglin.

He stressed the importance of friendly relations between Rabat and Beijing and the strong ties between the Moroccan parliament and the CPPCC, the House of Advisors said in a statement.

He also lauded China's role in promoting peace and strengthening development and partnership at regional and continental levels, the statement said.

On his part, Du Qinglin praised cooperation relations between the Moroccan House of Advisors and the CPPCC, welcoming the idea of setting up a Moroccan-Chinese parliamentary forum and expressing China's readiness to boost relations with Morocco in all fields.

The Chinese official also hailed the outcome of Moroccan King Mohammed VI's visit to Beijing in establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Morocco is an important partner for China in Africa and the Arab world, he noted.