Premier Li Keqiang said Chinese-made civilian aircraft can play an important part in bilateral cooperation with African countries during his meeting with visiting Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba on Thursday.

New planes designed and made by Chinese companies are safe and cost-effective and fit African countries' need to develop regional aviation networks, the premier told Bongo, adding that both sides can explore cooperation in the field.

It was the premier's latest aviation overture following the China-Africa Regional Aviation Cooperation Plan, which helps Chinese enterprises establish joint venture aviation cooperation with African enterprises.