BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang on Monday held talks with President of Peru's National Congress Fredy Otarola Penaranda, pledging stronger ties.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), reviewed the friendship between the Chinese and the Peruvians.

Peru, one of the first Latin American countries to forge diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, is also the first Latin American nation to sign a free trade agreement with China, Zhang said.

China views its ties with Peru as of strategic value and is ready to work with Peru to implement the consensus reached by presidents of the two countries last year, Zhang said. The legislator pledged to enhance political trust, deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation and bring bilateral relations to a new high.

China thanks Peru for its support on issues concerning China's core interests, including Taiwan, Tibet and other areas, Zhang said.

Labelling Peru as an important Latin American country, Zhang urged Peru to continued playing a positive role in boosting China-Latin American relations.

Stressing the roles of the NPC and the Peruvian National Congress in their respective country, Zhang called on the two legislatures to improve their cooperation.

Stronger legislative ties will help deepen bilateral understanding, political trust and pragmatic cooperation and serve the fundamental interests of the two peoples, Zhang said.

He called on the two legislatures to maintain high-level visits, share their experiences in building democracy and rule of law, increase areas of cooperation and make contributions to the bilateral strategic partnership.

Otarola said the Peruvian National Congress would like to work more closely with the NPC, create a favorable legal environment and boost bilateral cooperation in investment, minerals, agriculture and tourism.

Earlier Monday, Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao also met with Otarola.

Li said China always develops relations with Peru from a strategic height, calling on joint efforts to beef up cooperation in the areas of trade, energy, mining, finance, infrastructure, agriculture and culture.

Otarola said his country would like to consolidate friendship and cement substantial cooperation with China on a basis of mutual understanding and support.