Singapore and China reaffirmed on Saturday their sound bilateral relations and vow to bolster cooperation in various areas.

Li Yuanchao, Minister of the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, paid a visit to Singapore from April 15 to 17 at the invitation of the Singapore government.

Li, who is also member of the Political Bureau and the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, met separately with Singapore President S R Nathan and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.

Li said that China highly values the bilateral ties between the two countries. Cooperations in areas such as politics, economy, education, science and technology, culture and tourism have been deepened in recent years, while collaborations in human resource training, city development and environment protection have also been fruitful.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Li said, adding that China is willing to make joint effort with Singapore to raise the bilateral ties to a new level.

The Singapore leaders stressed that the bilateral relations have been developing smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties. The bilateral Free Trade Agreement, the Suzhou Industrial Park, and the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City have served as good examples of sound bilateral cooperations, which not only benefit people from both sides, but also contribute to the peace, development and prosperity in the region. Singapore hopes the mutually beneficial cooperation could be further enhanced in the future.

Both Nathan and Lee also expressed their sympathies and condolences to the victims of devastating earthquake in China's Qinghai province.

Li also attended the Singapore-China Forum on Leadership with Singapore's Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Acting Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean. Li also met with Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng. He also visited Singapore's ruling People's Action Party headquarters and the Housing and Development Board (HDB) Hub, National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University.