Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with visiting Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China April 6, 2006. Saleh arrived in Beijing Wednesday, kicking off his six-day state visit to China.(Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said here on Thursday China will further its trade and energy cooperation with Yemen in an effort to lift bilateral relations to a new height.

    "China supports and welcomes the enterprises to increase their investment in the two countries, and is willing to expand cooperation with Yemen in such areas as energy, infrastructure and fishery," said Hu while meeting with visiting Yemeni President AliAbdullah Saleh.

    Saleh arrived in Beijing Wednesday, kicking off his six-day state visit to China.

    In reply to Hu's call for further economic and trade cooperation, Saleh said the Yemeni government is pleased with the sound development of bilateral relations and trade ties.

    The friendly cooperation between Yemen and China has seen stable development and trade cooperation has achieved much progress since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 50 years ago, said Saleh, adding that trade volume hit 3.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2005.

    Hu urged the two countries to continue to step up exchanges at various levels and strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs.

    On the situations in the Middle East and Gulf region, Hu said China has always engaged itself in easing and stabilizing the situations in the region, and opposes any move to intensify regional tension.

    China insists that parties concerned increase dialogue, conduct consultations equally 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 development and peace in the Middle East and Gulf region," Hu added.

    "China and Yemen have become reliable 'all-weather' friends," Hu said.

    Saleh appreciated China's just stance on the Middle East issue and the important role China has played in promoting peace in the Middle East. Yemen and China share identical views in terms of Iraq's reconstruction and the peace process in the Middle East, Saleh said.

    Saleh extended his thanks for China's long-term assistance, saying Yemen will firmly adhere to the one-China policy.

    Saleh said his six-day visit is aimed at cementing Yemen-China's traditional friendship and further develop bilateral cooperation, hoping the two countries will 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 on such fields as trade and telecommunication. Enditem