BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- China and Cote d'Ivoire on Friday pledged to boost relations following a talk between President Hu Jintao and President of Cote d'Ivoire Alassane Dramane Ouattara, who is on an official visit to China that included his attendance at the opening ceremony of the fifth Ministerial Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

"Cote d'Ivoire is a major country in West Africa. China attaches high importance to relations with it and is ready to further promote bilateral ties through joint efforts," Hu said.

He called on the two sides to strengthen high-level exchanges, including those between governments, legislative bodies and ruling parties, so as to enhance political mutual trust.

Hu added that China supports the important role played by Cote d'Ivoire in promoting Africa's unity, stability and development, and will strengthen their consultation and coordination on international and regional affairs.

Hu said China will continue to support the peaceful reconstruction of Cote d'Ivoire and encourage Chinese companies to participate in its economic development.

The president also called on the two sides to enhance people-to-people relations and expand cooperation in culture, education, health and human resources training.

Ouattara said developing friendly and cooperative ties with China is an unswerving policy of the government of Cote d'Ivoire.

He called for more cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, water conservation, electric power, transportation infrastructure construction and the training of professionals, and invited Chinese companies to invest there.

Ouattara said Cote d'Ivoire, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Economic Community of West African States, will play an active role in promoting relations between West African countries and China.

Prior to their talk, Hu held a welcoming ceremony for Ouattara at the Great Hall of the People.