China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin met with the president of Peru's Congress, Luis Alva, in Lima on Monday to discuss bilateral ties.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said China views Peru, one of the first Latin American nations that recognized the People's Republic of China, as a good friend and partner in the region.?

Luis Alva (R), president of the Congress of Peru, meets with Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, in Lima, capital of Peru, Nov. 23, 2009. [Li Xueren/Xinhua]?

He hailed the stable development of bilateral relations since they forged diplomatic ties 38 years ago, especially the fast and all-round development in the new century.

Jia said China and Peru have set up a strategic partnership, signed a free trade agreement, enhanced political mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation and carried out fruitful cultural exchanges. The two countries have also coordinated closely on international and regional issues, he added.

China and Peru are facing the common task of boosting economic growth and improving people's living standards, Jia said, noting that deepening their friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation serves the fundamental interests of both countries.

Luis Alva (R), president of the Congress of Peru, meets with Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, in Lima, capital of Peru, Nov. 23, 2009.[Li Xueren/Xinhua]

Jia proposed that the two countries should further enhance political mutual trust, expand pragmatic cooperation and boost exchanges between political parties, parliaments, local governments, media organizations and non-governmental groups.

He appreciated the efforts by Peruvian legislators in promoting bilateral ties.

The Peruvian Congress passed two bills to express condolences to the Chinese people following the devastating earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan province last year, and it recently passed another bill to extend congratulations on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, he said.

"All of these demonstrated the deep friendship between China and Peru, and we appreciate that very much," Jia said.

Alva thanked China for its support to Peru and spoke highly of China's contributions to the world, saying the sound, close relationship between the two nations has benefited the two peoples.

Peru hopes to strengthen its cooperation with China in the high-tech sector and welcomes investment by Chinese companies in the country, he said.

Jia arrived?in Lima on Sunday for a two-day visit to Peru. Peru is the second leg of his four-nation tour, which will also take him to Ecuador and Brazil. He has already visited the Philippines.