Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan on Tuesday met with Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, with both sides agreeing to further promote the existing strategic partnership between the two countries.

Wang conveyed Chinese President Hu Jintao's greetings to the Angolan leader. He said the traditional friendship between China and Angola has made rapid progress in recent years through joint efforts of the leaders of the two countries.

China and Angola have demonstrated mutual understanding and supported each other on issues concerning their key interests and matters of grave concern. Both countries have also maintained close coordination on regional and international issues.

The establishment of the strategic partnership between the two countries in 2010 marked a new phase in the development of Sino-Angolan relations, and China is ready to promote cooperation with Angola in all fields on the basis of equality and sincere friendship while consolidating the traditional friendship between the two countries, Wang said.

He stressed that pragmatic cooperation serves as an important cornerstone for Sino-Angolan ties, and the two countries have launched a series of pragmatic cooperation in bilateral trade, investment, energy and finance, which has contributed to the national construction and economic development of both countries and is conducive to peace, stability and development of the world community as well.

For his part, the Angolan president said Angola and China have set up strategic relationship of special significance, and Angola is satisfied with the current state of bilateral ties.

Both countries should further promote bilateral cooperation in view of the rapid globalization of the world economy, and Angola welcomes Chinese companies to invest in Angola as the two countries are ready to conduct more cooperation in the fields of trade, energy, mining and the agricultural sectors, he added.

Wang on Tuesday also met with Angola's Vice President Fernado da Piedade Dias dos Santos.

During the meeting, Wang made a five-point proposal on deepening bilateral pragmatic cooperation.

First, to establish a healthy cooperation mechanism, and quicken the drafting of the agreement document concerning China-Angola Bilateral Commission in order to sign the agreement as soon as possible.

Second, to improve the legal framework for bilateral cooperation to provide legal guarantee and policy support for deepening bilateral cooperation.

Third, to boost energy cooperation.

Fourth, to continue implementing the projects that have been agreed upon by the two sides.

Fifth, to expand bilateral cooperation in other fields.

Wang said China will continue encouraging its enterprises to invest in Angola's manufacturing, infrastructure and mining sectors and hopes that the Angolan side will provide support and convenience.

The vice president said that the Chinese delegation's visit manifested both countries' political will to enhance their mutually beneficial cooperation and to promote bilateral ties.

To adapt to the new development of the strategic partnership between the two countries, the two sides should adjust and optimize the existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms to improve cooperation efficiency and level.

Wang arrived in Luanda Tuesday for a two-day official visit.

(Xinhua News Agency March 22, 2011)