A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) met on Friday with Mali's President Amadou Toumany Toure on ways to enhance ties between their two nations, according to reports from its capital Bamako. The two peoples have understood each other well and supported each other since China and Mali forged diplomatic ties 50 years ago, said Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee. Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Mali last year opened a new chapter in bilateral relations, said Wang. The CPC and the Chinese government attach great importance to ties with Mali, and China is ready to further enhance political trust and pragmatic cooperation in the frameworks of South-South cooperation and China-Africa strategic partnership, he added. President Toure said his government and people value the Mali- China traditional friendship and appreciate China's contribution to the economic and social progress in Mali. Mali will as always adhere to the one-China policy and strengthen cooperation with China in various fields for the benefits of the two peoples, said Toure. Wang, who arrived in Bamako on Thursday, also held talks with other Malian officials on Friday. 