Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu and Ecuadorian Vice President Lenin Moreno on Friday pledged to strengthen bilateral diplomatic and economic ties so as to push their relations to a new stage.

During a meeting with Moreno, Hui hailed the development of bilateral relations since diplomatic ties were established 29 years ago, especially after Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa's visit to China in November 2007.

The two countries have kept regular exchanges of high-level visits and have strengthened political mutual trust, Hui said.

"Both sides are satisfied with the development of the bilateral ties because the two countries do not have political problems and conflicts of interest," Hui said.

The two countries have seen a fast development of economic and trade cooperation. Bilateral trade volume reached a record 2.383 billion U.S. dollars in 2008, twice as much as the 2007 figure.

"We hope that bilateral economic ties between China and Ecuador will be strengthened on the basis of mutual benefits, and over all, our common interest," he added.

Hui said China will support Ecuador economically to help pull the Ecuadorian economy out of the ongoing global financial crisis.

Hui also expressed China's appreciation for Ecuador's support on issues of Taiwan and Tibet.

Moreno, for his part, called on the Chinese government to promote and broaden bilateral cooperation.

"Ecuador plans to diversify the exports of its banana, shrimps, flowers, cacao and other products to China on favorable conditions," Moreno said.

"Ecuador and China must find a destination and a hope," Moreno said, adding that the two countries should enhance their cooperation not only in economy and trade, but also in other areas such as science and technology and culture.

China has all along offered support and assistance to Ecuador, especially in economy, technology and health care, he said, expressing readiness to further enhance friendly relationship with China.

Moreno paid an official visit to China last September on the occasion of the Beijing Paralympic Games. He said he was very much impressed by the "extraordinary" architecture of Shanghai.

He said China has made remarkable economic and social progress, setting an example for other developing countries.

"China is an example for the world, and mainly, for the countries of the third world. China will achieve economic, social and political progress on its own efforts," Moreno said.

Moreno said Hui's visit would contribute to strengthen ties between the two nations.

Hui arrived in Quito Thursday for an official visit at the invitation of the Ecuadorian government after wrapping up a trip to Argentina. He was scheduled to leave Saturday for the Galapagos Islands before he visits Barbados.

(Xinhua News Agency Feburary 14, 2009)