A senior official of the Communist Party of China says China welcomes the opportunity to enhance political ties with Tunisia. The remarks, by Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, came during a visit to the North African country.

Meeting with Tunisian President Dine Al Abidine Ben Ali, Li Changchun noted the long history of friendship between China and Tunisia.

Meeting with Tunisian President Dine Al Abidine Ben Ali, Li Changchun noted the long history of friendship between China and Tunisia.

From that friendship have evolved greater cooperation and stronger bilateral ties, through consultations on global and regional affairs.

The senior party official added, China anticipates even further progress as both China and Tunisia commit to extending efforts that will broaden mutual ties.

Ben Ali expressed his country's desire to expand economic and trade ties with China.

The Tunisian president praised China's policies concerning Africa.

And he also reiterated Tunisia's commitment to the one-China policy.

Li Changchun, during his meeting with Tunisia's National Assembly President Fouad Mebazza, reflected that China's international policy considers all nations to be equal.

He added, China would like to enhance communications with Tunisia at the parliamentary and party levels, to expedite efforts toward common prosperity.

Mebazza said Tunisia favours party and parliamentary exchanges with China. He added, he is confident in the success of this year's Beijing Olympic Games.

During his stay, Li Changchun visited Chinese volunteers who work in Tunisia.

He encouraged the young people to work hard and to do their part to build stronger friendships with the Tunisian people.

The senior Party official also visited a youth culture and sports center. China helped Tunisia with the construction and development of the facility in 1991.

The center is the largest of its kind in the country. It's become a window for Tunisian people to learn about Chinese culture and to enhance the Sino-Tunisian friendship.

Events related to Chinese culture are scheduled at the facility every month.

Here, is where many Chinese volunteers come, to teach the Chinese language, dance and martial arts.

Senior CPC official Li Changchun said, "I am happy to see so many children enjoying themselves here. We intend to move forward our program to complete the aid measures for Africa, announced by President Hu Jintao at the 2006 Beijing Summit on China-Africa Cooperation. Over the next three years, we plan to send another 300 volunteers to Africa"

Tunisia is the fourth stop on Li Changchun's five-nation tour. He's already visited Algeria, Mauritania and Morocco.

Li's next stop, is Damascus, where he will meet with leaders of the Syrian government.