RABAT, Nov. 4  -- China will expand practical cooperation with Morocco in various areas to step up the China- Morocco ties, visiting Chinese top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng said Tuesday.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), was here on a three-day official friendly visit. He met with Moroccan King Mohammed VI on Tuesday and separately held meetings with Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and President of the Chamber of Representatives Alami on Monday. He has also held talks with Mohamed Cheikh Biadilla, president of the Senate of Morocco.

Morocco is one of the earliest countries in Africa to establish diplomatic ties with China. Yu said the two countries have enjoyed good cooperation in the areas of politics, economy and people-to- people exchanges since they set up diplomatic relationship 56 years ago. Yu said China is willing to keep frequent high-level exchanges and enhance political mutual-trust with Morocco. He pledged to encourage more Chinese companies to invest in the North African country and called for Morocco to create a better and convenient environment for foreign investment.

He suggested the two sides to give a priority to the simplifications of their people-to-people exchanges for closer cooperation in culture, education and tourism.

Describing Morocco as an important partner in Africa and the Arab world, Yu called for the two countries to jointly push forward the China-Africa and China-Arab cooperation and continuously cooperate in maintaining regional peace and stability, as well as striking terrorism.

During his talks with Moroccan leaders, Yu also briefed them about China's political, economic and social situation. He stressed the CPPCC is willing to enhance multi-tier, multi-channel exchanges with the parliament of Morocco to promote mutual understanding and mutual trust between the two nations.

King Mohammed VI and other Moroccan leaders said they appreciated the long-term support and help that China has provided to their country, pledging closer cooperation with China in the areas of politics, economy, culture and education.

They said Morocco will enhance friendly exchanges between the parliaments of the two countries and conduct close coordination with China on international and regional affairs and promote the sustainable, rapid and comprehensive development of Morocco-China ties.

Morocco is the second leg of Yu's four-nation tour in North Africa and Middle East following Algeria. He is set to visit Bahrain on Wednesday and Jordan on Friday.