China is ready to join hands with Singapore to boost the bilateral mutually-beneficial cooperation between the two countries to a new level, Chinese President Hu Jintao said Friday in Beijing.

Hu made the remark while meeting with visiting Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is here to co-host with Chinese leaders the first meeting of a bilateral cooperation joint committee.

The relations between China and Singapore have seen rapid development since they forged diplomatic ties, Hu said. The leaders of the two countries have conducted frequent visits, which helps deepen mutual understanding and trust.

Hu noted that China and Singapore have carried out productive cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, and China appreciated Singapore for its adherence to the one-China policy and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region, Hu added.

Citing the successful bilateral cooperation, Hu said it owes to the fact that both countries stick to the principle of "marching with the times", grasp opportunities and have their own development strategies.

The official launching of the bilateral cooperation joint committee will contribute to promoting mutually-beneficial cooperation between the two countries in various fields, said Hu, adding that China will join hands with Singapore to push bilateral cooperation to a new level.

Lee agreed with Hu on his positive remarks on bilateral relations, saying Singapore and China have developed sound relations and become important trade partners. The China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park has made notable achievements since its establishment 10 years ago, and the bilateral cooperation joint committee is also officially launched, Lee said.

Pleased with China's remarkable achievements, Lee said Singapore hails China's advancement, which will benefit Singapore as well as the common development and prosperity in the region.

The Singaporean government understands and supports China's stance on the Taiwan issue, said Lee.