China is ready to further deepen friendly cooperation with Sudan and advance bilateral relations in a stable and healthy way, a senior Chinese official said in Khartoum on Monday.

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmed El-Beshir.

Li said that since China and Sudan established diplomatic relations 46 years ago, bilateral relations have maintained stable expansion despite changes in international situation.

In recent years, the two countries have greatly strengthened their economic cooperation while maintaining smooth expansion of political relations, he said, noting that China has become the top trade partner of Sudan.

China is ready to further deepen cooperation with Sudan in all fields on the basis of equality and mutual benefit and advance Sino-Sudanese relations in an ever stable and healthy way, he said.

China appreciates the Sudanese government's consistent adherence to the one-China policy, Li said.

He expressed satisfaction over the exchanges between the political parties of China and Sudan, saying further strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the CPC and the National Congress of Sudan conforms with the fundamental interests of both countries and their people.

He highly praised Sudan's achievements in national development and economic growth, and congratulated Sudan on the signing of the comprehensive peace accord between the country's north and south sides in the beginning of this year.

He said China is a true friend of Sudan and will continue to support peace and development of the country, adding that China is willing to make active contributions to the smooth implementation of the peace agreement and reconstruction of Sudan.

Beshir welcomed Li to visit Sudan and expressed satisfaction with the development of Sudan-China relations, saying bilateral cooperation in various fields has withstood different kinds of tests.

Facts have proved that Sudan-China cooperation has a solid foundation, great potential and bright future, said Beshir.

He reiterated that Sudan sticks to the one-China policy and supports the cause of reunification of China.

He thanked China for its support and assistance to Sudan, saying Sudan is willing to further strengthen cooperation with China in such fields as energy, water conservancy, agriculture and grain processing.

He spoke highly of the friendly exchanges between the National Congress of Sudan and the CPC, and expressed the willingness to further deepen the party-to-party exchanges so as to add impetus to the all-round development of bilateral relations.

Li arrived in Khartoum on Monday evening for a goodwill visit to Sudan. Nafi'a Ali Nafi'a, deputy chairman for political and organizational affairs of the National Congress of Sudan, greeted Li and his entourage at the airport.

(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2005)