The Communist Party of China on Wednesday vowed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party of South Africa, on party building and national construction.

Liu Qi(R1), a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, meets with chairperson of South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) Baleka Mbete in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2010. [Li Tao/Xinhua]

The pledge came out of a meeting between Liu Qi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chief of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, and a delegation of officials from the ANC, led by national chairperson Baleka Mbete.

"The CPC will deepen its friendly relations with the ANC and have more exchanges on party building and national construction, so as to promote the strategic partnership between the two countries," Liu said.

Mbete echoed Liu saying the ANC also attached much importance to its relationship with the CPC, and hoped to learn from the CPC.

The two sides also discussed China-South Africa relations. Liu said South Africa is an important developing country and regional power, and China values its relationship with it.

Liu Qi(L), a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, meets with chairperson of South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) Baleka Mbete in Beijing, capital of China, July 28, 2010. [Li Tao/Xinhua]

He extended congratulations to South Africa for successfully holding the 2010 World Cup.

Mbete said she believed that the visit to China would deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the ANC and CPC, and would promote bilateral relations.

The delegation is in China for a seminar held by the CPC.