BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao on Thursday met with Khaw Boon Wan, chairman of the People's Action Party of Singapore.

Khaw Boon Wan, also minister for National Development of Singapore, is leading a seven-member delegation to Beijing.

Li reviewed political mutual trust and robust trade, science and technology cooperation between the two countries.

Li said China placed great importance on ties with Singapore and would like the two countries to work more closely to build an upgraded free trade area between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and maritime silk road in the 21st century.

Li also called on the Communist Party of China and People's Action Party of Singapore to exchange more experience on state governance and seek growth of bilateral relations.

Khaw Boon Wan said China-Singapore cooperation has benefited the two peoples and pledged to deepen bilateral relations, promote regional cooperation and seek common development.