Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping has called on Zimbabwe to expand economic ties.

At a meeting with Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe in Beijing Wednesday, Mr. Xi said China wants to increase cooperation with the south African nation in the fields of trade, agriculture, mining and infrastructure. He described the 87-year-old leader as an “old friend” of China.

Mr. Mugabe, in turn, described China as a “trustworthy friend.” He said Zimbabwe appreciates China's long-term support for its economic and social development.

China has steadily increased its economic role in Zimbabwe at a time when other countries have been pulling out.

In March, Beijing extended a $700 million credit to Zimbabwe to support agriculture and health.