BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Vice Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called for closer cooperation between Chinese and African local governments so as to bolster bilateral relations.

Li hailed the traditional friendship and current economic and trade ties between China and Africa at the opening session of the 1st forum on cooperation between Chinese and African local governments held in Beijing.

Both China and Africa are facing imbalanced development in different regions, Li said, saying the cooperation at local level will boost the two economies and promote global prosperity.

Li highlighted the principles of mutual respect and equality in Sino-African cooperation, and called for mutual trust, mutual benefit and interaction in Sino-African relations.

He proposed the two sides enhance political mutual trust and coordination on major global affairs, implement agreements and contracts, promote cooperation in non-resource sectors like agriculture and manufacture.

Li also asked the two sides to attach greater importance to improving people's livelihood and protecting the environment, as well as to bolster exchanges in education, healthcare and tourism.

In the coming five years, China and Africa will respectively organize 1,000 people, including local officials and entrepreneurs, to visit each side, Li said.

Before the opening session, Li met with some African guests who, during the brief meeting, agreed to expand cooperation and further enhance friendship.

About 1,700 delegates from 40 African countries and 29 Chinese provinces and cities attended the forum.