BEIJING, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Chadian President Idriss Deby on Thursday, saying China will be a reliable partner for the African country in achieving industrialization.

While welcoming Deby to attended a high-level forum on poverty reduction and development in Beijing, Xi said Chad is an important African partner for China, and China attaches great importance to bilateral ties.

"I am willing to work with Mr. President to deepen friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation, further bilateral ties and better benefit people in both countries," Xi said.

"China is willing to be a reliable partner for Chad to achieve industrialization and modernization," Xi said, calling on both sides to strengthen strategic trust, exchanges and coordination on major international issues.

Xi called on the two countries to take full advantage of their complementary economies, focusing on energy cooperation and exploring practical cooperation in industry, infrastructure, industrial parks, agriculture, telecommunications and human resources.

China is willing to strengthen security cooperation with Chad to improve the African country's ability to safeguard peace and stability, the Chinese president said, adding that both countries should cooperate more closely in culture, education and public health.

Deby said the Chinese government has provided long-term and generous assistance to developing countries, including those in Africa.

Deby thanked China for its valuable support for Chad in achieving national stability and development. He said people in the two countries have forged strong mutual trust and friendship.

Chad is willing to enhance cooperation with China in transportation, infrastructure, telecommunications, finance and agriculture, as well as coordination on major international and regional issues, Deby said.