QUITO, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- China's top political adviser Jia Qinglin met with Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa here on Tuesday, with both sides vowing to enhance bilateral cooperation.

    Jia, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, hailed the traditional friendship and rapid development of bilateral ties between China and the Andean country.

Jia Qinglin (C), chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, delivers a speech during the China-Ecuador Entrepreneurs' Symposium on Investment Cooperation in Quito, capital of Ecuador, on Nov. 24, 2009. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Photo Gallery>>>

    He said China attaches great importance to its relationship with Ecuador and is willing to make joint efforts to widen and deepen bilateral friendly cooperation.

    He noted that the China-Ecuador relationship has entered a new phase of fast development in recent years with growing political trust, ever widening cooperation of mutual benefit as well as increased people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

    China highly appreciates Ecuador's adherence to the one-China policy and support on related issues of Taiwan and Tibet. He also thanked the Andean country's support during Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games held in 2008.

    Jia suggested that China and Ecuador endeavor to maintain the overall situation of bilateral relations and duly exchange opinions on cooperation and key subjects of mutual concern so as to promote the long-term stable and healthy development of bilateral ties.

    Also, in line with the principle of mutual benefit, both countries should work together to fully explore the potential of cooperation by expanding cooperation channels and creating new patterns of cooperation to optimize trade balance, he said.

    Jia called for the broadening of exchanges in all social sectors and at all levels and vowed to strengthen collaboration in culture, education, sports, tourism, to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Ecuadorian people.

Jia Qinglin (L), chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, talks with Ecuadorian Vice President Lenin Moreno during their meeting in Quito, capital of Ecuador, on Nov. 24, 2009. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) Photo Gallery>>>

    The chairman said next year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Ecuador, which means bilateral ties have entered a mature development period. Hopefully, both sides will see the occasion as a new historical starting point, join hands and write a new page in China-Ecuador ties.

    Correa, for his part, stressed it is a strategic decision for Ecuador to develop ties with China.

    Ecuador appreciates China's long-standing support and is content with the progress of important cooperative projects with China, he said.

    Correa said bilateral cooperation has benefited both Chinese and Ecuadorians, and therefore, both countries should make concerted efforts to expand such cooperation.

    After the meeting, Jia and Correa witnessed the signing of a series of documents on bilateral economic and technological cooperation.

    Jia, who is on a four-nation tour, arrived in Quito on Monday. He has already visited the Philippines and Peru and will travel to Brazil on Wednesday.