State Councilor Dai Bingguo on Tuesday pledged to boost ties with African countries and promote cooperation between the two sides' local governments.

Dai made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the first Forum on China-Africa Local Government Cooperation, which started on Monday in Beijing.

"Friendly and cooperative Chinese-African relations are a common political treasure and unique strategic advantage belonging to both sides," Dai said.

Under the current global situation, China will work with African countries to enhance political mutual trust and bolster cooperation in multiple fields, he said.

Dai hailed the success of the two-day forum, which ended with a declaration and agreements on establishing friendly ties between Chinese provinces and African countries.

(Xinhua News Agency August 28, 2012)