PORT OF SPAIN -- A visiting senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said here Wednesday that China is ready to boost its relations with Trinidad and Tobago to a new level.

He Guoqiang, a member of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during his meeting with Trinidad and Tobago's President George Richards.

He, also secretary of the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said the Chinese government attaches great importance to its relations with Trinidad and Tobago.

China will enhance high-level contacts, political mutual trust and economic and trade cooperation for mutual benefit, He added.

Since China and Trinidad and Tobago set up diplomatic ties 34 years ago, their bilateral relations have developed in a steady and sound manner with exchanges and cooperation in various fields deepening, He said.

Trinidad and Tobago has become one of China's most important trading partners in the Caribbean region as bilateral economic and trade ties have witnessed substantial development, He added.

He also expressed his appreciation for the Trinidad and Tobago government's adherence to the one-China policy.

The Chinese government will work with the Trinidad and Tobago government to jointly promote the overall development of friendly relations and cooperation between China and Caribbean countries on the basis of political mutual trust, economic reciprocity, cultural exchanges and mutual support in the international arena, He said.

Richards spoke highly of the contributions the Chinese people have made to China's economic development and social progress, saying that his country hopes to further strengthen cooperation with China in various fields and to continue to push forward bilateral ties.

They also discussed the current world energy situation and measures to address the issue.

He arrived here Wednesday afternoon after a goodwill visit to Cuba.

In a written statement delivered upon his arrival at the airport, He expressed the hope to enhance friendship and cooperation between China and Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago is the second leg of He's four-country visit that will also take him to Brazil and Angola.