China is a reliable friend to the Central African Republic (CAR), the country's president, Francois Bozize, said on Friday, according to news from the CAR capital of Bangui.

The president told visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing it was China that offered the support his country needed when it faced its most difficult times.

Bozize said the Central African Republic wants to facilitate its reconstruction by boosting its cooperation with China in agriculture, telecommunications, mining and infrastructure.

He also said he hopes the two countries can exchange their experience in governance.

Li said China attached great importance to its ties with the Central African Republic and appreciated the African country's adherence to the one-China policy.

Li pledged China will continue to help the Central African Republic.

Source: Xinhua