Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) leader Liu Yunshan on Thursday met with a delegation of the Socialist Party of Portugal headed by its president Maria de Belem Roseira.

Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said during the meeting that China and Portugal have expanded cooperation in various fields since the two countries established their comprehensive strategic partnership in 2005.

"China is willing to work with Portugal to enhance communication and strengthen cooperation to promote bilateral relations to a higher level," he said.

Noting that the party-to-party relationship is a very important part of bilateral relations, Liu said the CPC attaches great importance to developing relations with the Socialist Party of Portugal and will continue to strengthen relations at all levels and exchange views on issues of common concern so as to expand common understanding, increase mutual trust and promote pragmatic cooperation in various fields.

Liu also briefed the delegation on the 18th CPC National Congress.

Roseira agreed that Portugal and China enjoy a long history of good cooperation and their relations have made continuous progress in recent years.

She said the Socialist Party of Portugal believes China will make greater and faster development with the implementation of the decisions of the 18th CPC National Congress.