BEIJING - A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) met with visiting General Secretary of the Portuguese Communist Party Jeronimo de Sousa on Wednesday.

Liu Qibao, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, hailed the development of bilateral relations over the past 34 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, especially since 2005, when a comprehensive strategic bilateral partnership was forged.

The CPC attaches importance to its relations with the Portuguese Communist Party and is willing to boost exchanges and cooperation with the party in order to advance bilateral ties between the two countries.

During the meeting, de Sousa said the Portuguese Communist Party admires the achievements the CPC has made and appreciates China's important role in international affairs.

The Portuguese Communist Party is ready to further cement its friendship with the CPC in order to boost the development of Sino-Portugal relations, de Sousa said.