BEIJING, March 22 -- A leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said here Monday that the CPC is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with Norway's ruling Labor Party.

"I am hoping the two parties could deepen exchanges and cooperation in the spirit of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," said He Guoqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau.

He, also head of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, made the remarks while meeting with Raymond Johanson, general secretary of Norwegian Labor Party.

He also spoke highly of the sound development of China-Norway relations in the past years, saying China would work with Norway to boost mutual political trust and expand trade cooperation and cultural exchanges in a bid to push forward bilateral ties in a sustainable, healthy and stable manner.

China has become Norway's biggest trading partner in Asia, and the two countries have seen positive progress in the negotiations on free trade agreement, said He.

China and Norway have also maintained high-level exchanges, deepened cooperation in various fields and maintained coordination on international and regional issues, said He.

Johanson, who is leading the Norwegian Labor Party delegation, visits China from March 21 to 26.