China is ready to promote greater development of relations with Angola, visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said in Luanda Friday.

In a meeting with Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Li said

China is willing to work with Angola to further strengthen the role of the two governments in coordinating and leading bilateral cooperation, enhance cooperation in development planning, and sign a bilateral investment protection agreement as soon as possible.

The two sides, Li said, should steer their cooperation into an industry-driven mode, and continue to expand the program of preferential loans, and deepen practical cooperation in energy, infrastructure, finance, agriculture, urbanization and manufacturing.

The premier also suggested that China and Angola explore the possibility of building an Angola-centered regional aviation network, so as to promote regional interconnectivity, Li said.

On investment, the Chinese government encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Angola, and hopes Angola will continue to offer convenience to Chinese investment and ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel, Li said.

Moreover, China is ready to promote closer people-to-people exchanges and increase the mutual understanding between the two peoples.

During their talks, Li stressed that China highly values bilateral ties with Angola, and views the African country as a close friend and important partner within China-Africa cooperation.

China supports Angola's national governance plan focusing on development, stability, and employment, stands ready to support each other, increase exchanges between the two countries' political parties, and share experiences in national governance, Li said.

In addition, China is willing to maintain closer coordination with Angola in regional and international affairs, he said.

For his part, dos Santos said China is an important force in safeguarding Africa's and world peace and development, and a reliable friend and partner for Africa.

Noting that the two countries have enjoyed fruitful cooperation in the past and share broad prospects in the future, the Angolan president said that strengthening bilateral cooperation is vital to the sustained development of Angola.

Angola thanks China's long-standing support, and stands ready to further expand mutually-beneficial cooperation and enhance unity and coordination with China in regional and international affairs, the president said.

Angola welcomes increased investment and active participation by Chinese enterprises in the African nation's economic and social development, said dos Santos, pledging that his country will offer convenience to such investment.

After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation deals on economy, technology, health care, finance, and personnel exchanges.

Angola is the third leg of Li's four-nation Africa tour, which has already taken him to Ethiopia and Nigeria. He will then travel to Kenya.