Zhou Yongkang (L), a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, meets with Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha (R) in Khartoum, Sudan, Nov. 17, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)

A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has hailed China's relationship with Sudan during a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Sudan diplomatic ties.

Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, said Tuesday that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Sudan have enjoyed a positive relationship.

Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, delivers a speech during a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Sudan diplomatic ties, in Khartoum, Nov. 17, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)

Zhou said that bilateral trade volume reached more than 8 billion U.S. dollars in 2008. He said Sudan has become China's third largest trade partner in Africa. In addition, Zhou said, China is Sudan's largest trade partner.

Oil cooperation between the two countries, Zhou said, has promoted cooperation in other sectors, including irrigation works, power, telecommunication and infrastructure construction.

The cooperation has brought concrete benefits to both peoples and has become a model of the relations between China and Africa, the Chinese official said.

Zhou said 2009, which also marks the 10th anniversary of an oil cooperation project between the two countries, is an important year in the history of the Chinese-Sudanese friendship.

China, Zhou said, will strengthen its cooperation with Sudan under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and join hands with the African nation to bring China-Africa cooperation to a new height.

Zhou said he was pleased to see that Sudan has become one of the fast growing economies in Africa and has improved its people's standard of living while advancing national reconciliation.

Zhou Yongkang (L), a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, and Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha (R) attend a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Sudan diplomatic ties, in Khartoum, Nov. 17, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)

In order to enhance the bilateral relationship, Zhou said, China and Sudan should promote political mutual trust, deepen their economic and trade cooperation and expand their exchanges.

China, Zhou said, can't develop in isolation from the rest of the world. He said China is willing to work with the Islamic world and African countries, such as Sudan, to advance the building of a world featuring lasting peace and common prosperity.

Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha praised the Sudan-China friendship and the cooperation between the two countries.

He also expressed gratitude for China's support for the development of African countries. He said he looked forward to deepened cooperation with China in a variety of fields.

Zhou also met with Riek Machar, deputy chairman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and vice president of the Autonomous Government of Southern Sudan. The two exchanged views on such issues as the strengthening of cooperation between the two parties.

Zhou stressed China's support for the implementation of a comprehensive north-south peace deal in Sudan, and pledged China's continued efforts in helping achieve peace and stability in the country.

Zhou Yongkang (L, front), a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, presents a photo album to Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha (R, front) after their meeting in Khartoum, Sudan, Nov. 17, 2009. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Photo Gallery>>>

Zhou Yongkang (C), a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, shakes hands with a staff member as he visits an oil refinery jointly invested by Sudan and China, in Khartoum, Sudan, Nov. 17, 2009. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Photo Gallery>>>