China values friendly cooperation with the Latin American nations, said a Communist Party of China (CPC) leader on Friday in Beijing.

"China and Latin America have seen improved political relations and close trade exchanges in recent years," said Luo Gan, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Luo made the remarks while meeting with Jose Antonio Cafiero, president of the Permanent Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Political Parties.

China-Latin America trade hit 50 billion U.S. dollars in 2005, and China has become the third largest trading partner of Latin America, according to Luo.

The permanent conference, as an important regional political organization and forum, has played a positive role in Latin America's political, economic and regional integration process, Luo said.

Luo said the CPC will further exchanges and cooperation with the permanent conference and its parties to promote China-Latin America relations in a comprehensive way.

Cafiero said his organization is very interested in China's economic and social development and China is an important factor to maintain world peace and boost common development.

The permanent conference attaches importance to relations with the CPC, said Cafiero, adding that the organization will continue to stick to the one-China policy and support China's reunification cause.

Source: Xinhua