Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the Central Committee of Communist Party of China (CPC), met with Indian Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi on Friday.

Wang said Sonia's visit to China is an important milestone in bilateral state and party exchanges.

Being two major countries in Asia and the world at large, China and India have made crucial contribution to the world's development, peace and stability with their joint efforts of building friendly and cooperative neighborhood, Wang said.

Wang also spoke highly of Indian Congress Party's important role in the country's political, economic and social fields.

Sonia said her Party values the exchanges with the CPC and hopes to draw on China's experience in alleviating poverty.

Both sides also exchanged views on stepping up bilateral party exchanges.

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2007)