President Xi Jinping said on Friday that the legislative authorities of China and Ecuador should enhance exchanges and communications in areas including legislation, supervision and governance.

Xi made his remarks while meeting with the president of the National Assembly of Ecuado, Gabriela Rivadeneira.

Mentioning that China and Ecuador had upgraded their bilateral relationship to the overall strategic partnership on Thursday, Xi told Rivadeneira that legislative authorities' exchanges are important for the overall strategic partnership.

China would like to enhance cooperation with Ecuador in all areas to bring real benefits for the people of both sides, he said.

The Chinese president is paying a state visit to Ecuador on Thursday. It's the first visit by China's head of state in the past 36 years since diplomatic ties were established. Xi will also visit Peru and Chile, and attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting, to be held in Lima over the weekend.

Calling China a brother-like partner, Rivadeneira expressed gratitude for China's support in the reconstruction work at the earthquake devastated region in Ecuador.

Ecuador's National Assembly would like to enhance cooperation with China's National People's Congress to push forward bilateral ties, he added.