BEIJING - China expressed its desire to deepen cooperation with the Asian development Bank (ADB) on Sunday.

"We hope the two sides could learn from the past experience and deepen cooperation, especially in providing loans. We also hope the ADB could increase support for weak links in China's social and economic development, strengthen research exchanges on major strategic issues, and promote innovation on development philosophies," said Vice Premier Li Keqiang in a meeting with ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda in downtown Beijing.

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Praising the cooperation China and the ADB have had in the past 25 years, Li called on the two sides to further enhance cooperation within the multilateral framework and promote a stable and sustainable regional economic and social development.

For his part, Haruhiko spoke positively of China's achievements in reform, opening up and national construction. He said the ADB would continue to explore cooperation with China.

China became an ADB member in March 1986. Haruhiko was in the capital city for activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Chinese membership.