BEIJING, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Exchanges between legislative bodies are an important part of China-EU relations, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing, China. (File photo: VCG)

Mao made the comment when answering a query concerning a group of European Union lawmakers' travel to Beijing and Shanghai from March 31 to April 2, which is the first such delegation to China in eight years.

Mao said the delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection begins its visit to China on March 31 at the invitation of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

"We believe this visit will enhance exchange and cooperation between the two legislatures, deepen the European Parliament's knowledge and understanding of China, and facilitate the sound and steady development of China-EU ties," the spokesperson said.