WASHINGTON -- World Bank President Robert Zoellick on Sunday spoke highly of China's investment in Africa, saying the bank will work with China to fight global poverty.

"I think Chinese investment in Africa can be very beneficial," said Zoellick at a news conference. "It can help the country develop infrastructure, it can help (countries) access some of the natural resources."

Zoellick, who was set to visit China in December, welcomed China's rising role in the international economy.

"China is an important partner in the international economy on growth and development issues and I therefore think it is incumbent on the World Bank to treat China as a partner...(and) also to be in position to work with China in third countries," he said.

Zoellick said during his China tour he would "talk about how we can work together."

Li Yong, China's vice finance minister, also said on Sunday that China supports the World Bank's priority areas, including Sub-Sahara Africa, fragile states, middle-income countries, global public goods, learning and knowledge agenda.

"We hope the Bank's new long-term strategy will play a leading role in reforming and building a new global aid architecture based on the development need of the developing countries," Li said at a meeting of the Development Committee of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

(xinhuanet)