LISBON, July 2 -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) is willing to deepen friendly exchanges with Portugal's Socialist Party (PS), a senior CPC official said here Wednesday.

Liu Qibao, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with PS Secretary General Antonio Costa.

Liu noted that the PS, which is an influential political force in Portugal, is among the first political parties in Western Europe to established ties with the CPC.

In recent years, senior leaders of the two parties have maintained close contact and had in-depth exchanges over issues of common concern, Liu said.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said Portugal is among the first European countries that established contacts with the People's Republic and also one of China's best partners inside the European Union.

China-Portugal ties have withstood tests and challenges and maintained healthy and stable development, said Liu.

Both China and Portugal have upheld such principles as mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, as well as mutual support over issues that concern each other's core interests. They have always viewed bilateral relations from a long-term strategic perspective, he said.

Costa said the two parties have witnessed rapid development in their ties.

The recent visit to China by a PS delegation and Liu's current visit demonstrate the mutual trust and friendship between the two parties, which will be conducive to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, he said.