SINGAPORE, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met here on Monday with Zhao Zhengyong, secretary of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Lee expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for sending message of condolences as well as a special envoy for the death of Lee Kuan Yew, former prime minister of Singapore.

He said the relation between Singapore and China has been developing fast over the years, with close communication between the two governments.

As this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China, he hopes to take this opportunity to further promote bilateral ties to a new level.

He stressed that Singapore is willing to actively participate in China's plan to develop its western region, where Shaanxi belongs to.

Zhao said China is keen to deepen bilateral ties through inter- party exchanges and regional cooperation. He also highlighted the significance of fastening collaboration between Shaanxi and Singapore through the "Belt and Road" initiatives.

Zhao also met with Chan Chun Sing, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office on Monday.