SANAA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met with Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh Wednesday afternoon, with the two leaders pledging to explore new channels of bilateral cooperation in the future.

    During the meeting, Xi said China is ready to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with Yemen, so as to continuously add new vigor to the traditional friendly, cooperative relations between the two countries.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping meets with Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Sanaa on June 25, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    He said China-Yemen relations have withstood the test of changes in the international situation and developed steadily. The two countries trust, support and cooperate with each other, and have forged an all-weather friendship.

    The Chinese leader thanked Yemen for its long-term support to China on such issues as Taiwan. He said China will always support Yemen in its efforts to safeguard unification, sovereignty and stability of the country.

    President Saleh once again expressed sympathy to China for the great losses caused by the massive earthquake in Wenchuan, southwest China's Sichuan province.

    Calling China a friend of Yemen, who has given support and assistance to Yemen in the country's social and economic development, he reiterated that Yemen will continue to firmly support China's cause of reunification.

    The president also expressed the wish to strengthen cooperation with China in all fields.

    Xi arrived here Tuesday for an official visit. He will conclude the visit later Wednesday.