Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli (R), also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, shakes hands with Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam during their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, May 28, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - China is ready to continuously explore new areas of cooperation with Singapore, Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli said Tuesday.

Zhang made the remarks during his meeting with visiting Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam in the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

Zhang said that under the new circumstances, China is ready to work with Singapore to strengthen cooperation and exchanges in various areas and at all levels, to earnestly implement existing cooperation projects and explore new areas of cooperation.

Zhang said the Chinese government places great importance on its friendly relations with Singapore. He said since the two countries established diplomatic links 23 years ago, bilateral cooperation has been lifted to higher and higher levels as their common interests have grown.

Zhang said the two sides have launched a number of cooperation projects in line with their own development strategies, including the Suzhou Industrial Park, Tianjin Eco-city and Guangzhou Knowledge City.

He said the two sides have achieved remarkable results in areas of cooperation such as high technology, the development of China's western areas, overseas investment by Chinese companies, training and personnel exchanges, financing and social management.

Shanmugaratnam said Singapore regards China as an important partner of cooperation.

He said Singapore is confident about the prospects of China's development and is ready to further deepen practical cooperation with China and advance bilateral links to new levels.