BEIJING - China and Mozambique pledged on Friday to expand their cooperation and boost bilateral ties between the two countries.

"China and Mozambique are true friends and our friendship has enjoyed a long history," said Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi as he held talks with his Mozambican counterpart Oldemiro Baloi.

The two countries have seen close interactions between high-ranking officials, increased people-to-people exchanges and bilateral coordination on international and regional issues since establishing diplomatic ties 36 years ago, Yang said.

During the talks, Yang thanked Baloi for Mozambique's support on issues involving China's core interests.

"The Chinese side is willing to make joint efforts with the Mozambican side to step up exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various areas and continue advancing bilateral relations," he added.

The visiting Mozambican Foreign Minister described Mozambique-China ties as being similar to a "traditional friendship" and featuring "fruitful cooperation."

Baloi also thanked China for its aid in the country's development and hailed the important role China has played in international affairs.

Baloi is on an official visit to China from Thursday to Tuesday at the invitation of Yang.