YEKATERINBURG, Russia, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday discussed bilateral ties with Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev and said relations between the two countries continue to flourish.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on June 15, 2009. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) Photo Gallery>>>

    The China-Kyrgyzstan relationship has maintained a momentum of stable development in recent years, Hu said during the meeting ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit due on Tuesday.

    China and Kyrgyzstan have frequently exchanged high-level visits and have made great achievements in such cooperation fields as trade, investment, transportation, and agriculture, Hu said.

    The two sides also work together, Hu said, to combat the three evil forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism in order to facilitate regional security.

    China and Kyrgyzstan support each other within the framework of the United Nations and the SCO to safeguard the common interests of both countries, Hu said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (4th L) meets with Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on June 15, 2009. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)Photo Gallery>>>

    Hu stressed that China values its relationship with Kyrgyzstan and considers the country an intimate friend and sincere partner.

    China, the president said, supports Kyrgyzstan in choosing a development path that meets its domestic situation. Hu said that China is willing to work with Kyrgyzstan to promote friendly, cooperative relations between the two countries.

    China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation has expanded in various fields in recent years with a strong momentum in bilateral trade. The two countries should use large-scale projects to boost their trade and economic cooperation, Hu said.

    The Chinese president also said the ongoing global economic crisis is continuing to spread and negatively impact the economic and social development of all countries.

    The international community has reached a consensus that all countries should join hands to combat the difficulties, he said.

    China, Hu said, is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Kyrgyzstan, jointly deal with the economic downturn and advance the sound and steady development of the two economies.

    Hu said China hopes that the SCO summit will send a strong signal to the world that the participants will work together to overcome the economic crisis.

    Bakiev, for his part, said that Kyrgyzstan-China relations are developing rapidly with smooth cooperation in various areas, including the economy and trade.

    He said that Kyrgyzstan appreciates China's aid for its economic and social development.

    Kyrgyzstan is willing to enhance cooperation with China in battling the economic crisis and in such fields as transport, trade and mineral exploration, he said.

    Bakiev reiterated that Kyrgyzstan firmly supports China's stance on Taiwan and Tibet issues.

    The SCO, a regional group founded in 2001 in Shanghai, includes China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan. Mongolia, India, Pakistan and Iran are the organization's observers. 

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