China values ties with Surinam and will make joint efforts with the country to promote bilateral relations "to a higher level," Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Beijing on Wednesday.

Hu made the remarks in his meeting with visiting Surinamese Vice President Ramdien Sardjoe, acknowledging the Sino-Surinamese traditional friendship and achievements made on bilateral relations.

China and Surinam have established mutual respect and treat each other with sincerity, Hu said, noting that the two countries respect the road of development each other has chosen and are both committed to promote bilateral relations with equality, mutual benefit and long-term friendship.

The Chinese president also highlighted the recent development of the two-way trade relations, expressing his hope that the two countries would further carry out relevant projects in an effort to step up the Sino-Surinamese trade relations.

Sardjoe called China "a friend indeed", referring to the fact that China, a big nation of the world, treats Surinam equally and offers sincere help for the country's development.

Source: Xinhua