China is ready to advance the strategic partnership with Angola, senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Liu Yunshan said on Thursday, official news agency Xinhua reported.

Mr Liu, a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the comments during a meeting with a delegation of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the African country’s ruling party.

The delegation was headed by Roberto de Almeida, Vice President of the MPLA.

Xinhua quoted Mr Liu saying that China’s economy is entering a new stage of development. He pointed out that will offer greater opportunities for cooperation with other countries.

During the meeting, Mr Almeida said the MPLA is interested in promoting the growth of bilateral relations with the CPC, Xinhua added.

On Thursday, the MPLA delegation started a five-day visit to China, aiming to strengthen ties between the ruling parties of both countries.