The African Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday opened its annual board meetings in Shanghai, which are widely seen as a move to deepen China-Africa cooperation.

In his address to the opening ceremony, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the current annual meetings would surely boost the ADB's growth, strengthen its role and increase its influence.

It is the first time the annual board meetings of the ADB are held in Asia, and the second time outside Africa.

Themed "African and Asia: Partners in Development", the two-day meetings will focus on infrastructure development in Africa, regional integrity and poverty relief.

Around 2,000 people attended the opening ceremony, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, President of Cape Verde Pedro Pires and President of Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana.

Zhou Xiaochuan, governor of the People's Bank of China, the central bank, and Donald Kaberuka, president of the African Development Bank, also attended the opening ceremony.

"I'm confident that this annual meetings will become a fresh starting point for all parties to intensify cooperation and promote development in both Asia and Africa," Zhou said.

Founded in 1964, the ADB has 77 members from Africa, America, Europe and Asia. China became a member in 1985.