China's top political advisor, Jia Qinglin, met with President of French Polynesia Oscar Temaru here Saturday and they pledged closer cooperation.

During the meeting, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), hailed the long friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

Jia said French Polynesia is known as the "Pearl of the South Pacific" and has a long history of friendly contacts with China.

In as early as the 19th century, there were Chinese settling on Tahiti, the most famous island among the Polynesian islands, who integrated themselves into the local society and actively participated in local economic development. They have served as a bridge linking the friendly and cooperative ties between French Polynesia and China, Jia said.

Both sides have seen more frequent exchanges and enhanced cooperation in the fields of economy, culture and tourism since the Chinese Consulate in French Polynesia opened in 2007 and the Chinese government granted the islands the status of designated tourist destination last year, Jia added.

Jia further thanked his host for supporting the Chinese scientific research vessel "Yuanwang" which has made many stopovers at the island.

The China-France ties now face new opportunities of development, which has created favorable conditions for developing local cooperation and exchanges between the two countries, Jia said.

Jia went on to say that French Polynesia has unique geographical advantage and rich marine and tourism resources. China is willing to work with French Polynesia to boost cooperation in such fields as trade and tourism, in which there is great potential for cooperation.

For his part, Temaru said his government is willing to forge a candid, friendly and close relationship with China in the era of globalization.

The top Chinese political advisor arrived at the South Pacific island Friday for a technical stopover in the midst of his four-state tour.

He has visited the Philippines and will continue his trip to Peru, Ecuador and Brazil.

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