The Communist Party of China (CPC) attaches great importance to its relationship with the Indian National Congress party, senior CPC official Zhou Yongkang said on Monday. 'It is of great significance to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between political parties and especially ruling parties of our two countries, so as to push ahead the healthy development of our bilateral relations,' Zhou told the Second Seminar on China-India Relations. The Indian National Congress party, with a history of more than a century, has played a major role in fighting for national independence, developing India's economy, improving people's life and safeguarding social stability, said Zhou, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Next year will mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. Having experienced revolution, construction and reform, the CPC attaches great importance to its relationship with the Indian National Congress party, he added. 'We are ready to strengthen and deepen our exchanges, continue to share in an in-depth manner our experience in running our party and country and have a frank exchange of views on bilateral and international issues of common interest,' said Zhou, who is also secretary of the Commission on Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee. Zhou said it is very meaningful for this seminar to take as its theme 'China and India: the Past 60 Years and the Future.' 'China and India both shoulder heavy tasks in promoting our own development and maintaining stability. It is necessary for China and India to handle our relationship from a strategic point of view and with a long-term perspective,' he said. Zhou arrived here on Sunday for a goodwill visit to India. 