BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- China said Monday it was ready to work with Sweden to promote the development of bilateral relations.

    Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi made comments to that effect here Monday on separate occasions when meeting with Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt.

    Sweden was the first Western nation to forge diplomatic relations with China. Hailing the 59-year-old diplomatic ties, Xi said the Sino-Swedish relationship had enjoyed stable growth.

    The two countries had in recent years witnessed frequent high-level visits, increased mutually beneficial cooperation, sound communications and active exchanges in such areas as science and technology, education, culture and environmental protection, Xi noted.

    The vice president said his country valued relations with Sweden, and he applauded its long-term adherence to the one-China policy.

    "Sweden is an important EU member and we will make joint efforts with the country, in line with mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, to push forward the growth of China-EU relations," Xi said.

    Bildt expressed satisfaction with the sound development of bilateral ties and increasingly close cooperation in various fields.

    Sweden will hold the EU rotating presidency in the latter half of this year. The minister said his country would take this as an opportunity to make positive contribution to the development of EU-China relations as well as Sweden-China relations.

    "We hope Sweden will continue to play a positive role in promoting the healthy and stable development of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership," Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said when meeting with Bildt.

    Bildt told Yang that the Swedish government would continue to abide by the one-China policy.

    Bildt arrived Sunday for an official three-day visit.