A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) pledged Sunday to cement party-to-party cooperation with the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).

Wang Gang, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks in a meeting with a delegation led by Muktar Kedir, a member of the EPRDF executive committee and head of the party's headquarters.

Wang hailed the steady development of Sino-Ethiopian relations over the years, citing active cooperation in the areas of politics, trade, culture and public health, and close coordination in international affairs.

He promised concerted efforts with Ethiopia to expand substantial cooperation.

He said both CPC and EPRDF, as ruling parties, faced the task of developing their economies and improving living standards.

Wang, also vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's political advisory body, called for closer cooperation between the two parties.

Earlier Sunday, head of the CPC Central Committee International Department Wang Jiarui held talks with Muktar.

He suggested increased communications between the two parties and promoting mutually-beneficial cooperation between enterprises through party exchanges.

Muktar congratulated the CPC on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, adding his delegation was proud to witness the event with the Chinese people.

He appreciated China's assistance to his country, and vowed to contribute to the enhanced cooperation between the two parties.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2009)