MALABO, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Equatorial Guinea's Prime Minister Ignacio Milam Tang hails the cooperation between China and Africa in general, and the Chinese contribution to his country's development in particular.

The prime minister spoke highly of bilateral ties during a meeting with visiting Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo on Friday.

"Our two friendly countries have continued to enjoy good relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties and mutual support during difficult times is testimony to this," Milam told his Chinese guest.

"Equato-Guinean authorities are grateful for the Chinese support to the country's long-term socio-economic development," he said.

"Based on the five principles of peaceful co-existence, the Chinese aid has been greatly appreciated in Africa. China has also shown that she is sincere in her cooperation with Africa by following a non-interference policy in African internal matters," he pointed out.

Regarding the current state of commercial and economic exchanges, the prime minister praised Chinese companies for the development of his country's infrastructure.

"This has shown the deep traditional friendship between our two peoples and our government wants to intensify the exchanges with our Chinese friends in order to reinforce this cooperation," he said.

On his part, Dai said the relations between the two countries were in the interest of the two peoples. "China is committed to working together with Equatorial Guinea to promote bilateral relations," he said.

Dai also expressed the gratitude of the Chinese people towards their Equato-Guinean brothers for their precious support on key issues regarding Chinese sovereignty, national security and development interests.

"We are especially touched by the fact that Equatorial Guinea, a developing country with a population of about 1 million people, contributed 1 million euros to help the victims of last year's earthquake in Wenchuan in southwest China," he noted.

"As a developing country, China stands together with Africa," said the Chinese official.

Dai also held talks with Equatorial Guinea's Deputy Prime Minister Demetrio Elo Ngong Nsefumu.

Heading a Chinese delegation, Dai is making a five-nation African trip which had him to Ethiopia and Algeria before Equatorial Guinea. The other two African countries are the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.