China's top legislator Zhao Leji called on Friday for heightened exchanges between legislative bodies of China and Benin to share experiences in democracy and the rule of law, and provide a sound legal framework for bilateral practical cooperation.

During talks with visiting Beninese President Patrice Talon in Beijing, Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, noted that the traditional friendship between China and Benin runs deep and bilateral ties have maintained a positive momentum.

He said Talon's upcoming attendance at the upcoming Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2023 China International Fair for Trade in Service underscores the high importance that China and Benin attach to bilateral pragmatic cooperation.

The attendance is expected to significantly elevate bilateral relations to new heights, Zhao said.

Talon said that China's development achievements are commendable and serve as a model for developing countries worldwide. Benin is willing to draw lessons from China's successful experiences and explore a democratic system and development model that aligns with its own realities, he said.

Benin is committed to deepening cooperation with China comprehensively, whilst also promoting the deepening and solidification of bilateral relations, Talon added.