BEIJING, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese top legislator Zhang Dejiangmet here on Wednesday afternoon with visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), said China cherishes its friendship with Turkey and that he expected Erdogan's upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinpingto result in a plan for improving bilateral relations.

The NPC and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey should adhere to the principle of respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and taking care of each other's core interests, according to the top legislator.

Zhang said the two legislatures should cooperate more and organize more exchanges so as to enhance mutual understanding and trust.

Erdogan said Turkey and China have conducted close exchanges and achieved rich results from cooperating. He said the Turkish side is keen on more such joint work.