Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Thursday that China will
increase its trade and energy cooperation with Yemen in an effort
to raise bilateral relations to new heights.
"China supports and welcomes enterprises increasing their
investment in the two countries and is willing to expand
cooperation with Yemen in such areas as energy, infrastructure and
fishing," said Hu while meeting with visiting Yemeni President,
AliAbdullah Saleh.
Saleh arrived in Beijing Wednesday to begin a six-day state
visit to China.
In reply to Hu's call for further economic and trade
cooperation, Saleh said the Yemeni government was pleased with the
ongoing development of bilateral relations and trade ties.
The friendly cooperation between Yemen and China had seen a
stable development and trade cooperation has achieved much progress
since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 50 years previously,
said Saleh. He added that trade volume hit US$3.5 billion in
2005.
Hu urged that the two countries step up exchanges at various
levels and further strengthen coordination in international and
regional affairs.
Of the situations in the Middle East and Gulf regions, Hu said
China had always engaged itself in easing and stabilizing the
difficulties in those areas and opposed any move which had the
potential to increase tensions.
China insisted that those involved increase dialogue, conduct
consultations and solve disputes through peaceful negotiation in
line with relevant UN resolutions, said Hu.
"China will work with the Arab nations including Yemen and the
international community to further develop peace in the Middle East
and Gulf region," Hu added.
"China and Yemen have become reliable 'all-weather' friends," he
added. ?
Saleh appreciated China's stance on Middle East issues and the
important role they played in promoting peace. Yemen and China
shared similar views in terms of Iraq's reconstruction and the
peace process in the Middle East, he said.
Saleh extended his thanks for China's long-term assistance
explaining Yemen would firmly adhere to the one-China policy.
He added that his six-day visit was aimed at cementing
Yemen-China's traditional friendship and further development of
bilateral cooperation. Saleh hoped the two countries would
reinforce their mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, energy,
investment and infrastructure.
After their talks, Hu and Saleh attended the signing ceremony of
eight cooperative agreements in several fields including trade and
telecommunication.
(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2006)