The ruling parties of China and Bangladesh on Thursday pledged to learn from each other on party and state governance.

The pledge came out of the meeting between Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and Secretary General of Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) Syed Ashraful Islam at the Great Hall of the People Thursday afternoon.

Ashraful is leading a four-member BAL delegation for a week-long visit to China, the first since BAL, as part of a larger alliance, won the national election in 2008.

Xi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, praised the positive role that ruling party cooperation had in strengthening China-Bangladesh ties.

Xi expressed the hope that "the two ruling parties will increase exchanges and learn from each other on how to build the party and run the state."

Ashraful said his party was eager to learn and draw on the CPC's experience in party and state governance.

Xi said that since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1975, they had developed political trust, trade and people-to-people cooperation and communication on international issues.

Xi appreciated the Bangladeshi government's adherence to the one-China policy and support on issues concerning China's core interests.

Ashraful highlighted the solid foundation of Bangladesh-China friendship and the mutual trust between the BAL and CPC.

He said Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government staunchly supported China's efforts to seek national reunification and ensure social stability.

Ashraful said the government would like to advance exchanges in government, party, legislative and non-government sectors and boost cooperation in politics, economy, foreign affairs and culture.

Ashraful and his delegation will also travel to southwest China's Yunnan Province.