China will maintain and promote exchanges between Chinese and Azerbaijani leaders, governments, parliaments and parties to enhance dialogue, political trust and economic cooperation, Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Beijing Thursday.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) holds a ceremony to welcome Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 17, 2005.

During his meeting with visiting Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, Hu said that the two countries witnessed sound development of bilateral ties since they forged diplomatic ties over 10 years ago.

"Especially in recent years, political exchanges and economic cooperation between we two countries were much more frequent and expanded," Hu said, "We shared increasing two-way trade, sound cooperation in energy and other sectors, and we supported each other in international organizations such as the United Nations."

Hu expressed his appreciation of Azerbaijan's prioritizing ties with China, claim to admit China's full market-economy status and firm support for China's Taiwan issue, saying that China supports Azerbaijan in entering the World Trade Organization.

China will enhance economic ties with Azerbaijan by promoting cooperation in energy, transportation, telecommunication and infrastructure construction, encouraging economic entities of the two countries to establish direct linkage and urging the trade and economic cooperation commissions to fully play theirs role, Hu said.

Hu Jintao also suggested the two countries stimulate exchange and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, sports and tourism in a bid to enhance understanding and friendship between the two peoples and forge a more solid foundation for bilateral ties.

Ilham Aliyev appreciated China's recognition to Azerbaijan's independence, saying bilateral ties developed soundly and his country regards China as a friend and sincere partner.

He reiterated that Azerbaijan firmly supports Chinese government's stance on the Taiwan issue and on the fight against the East Turkistan terror group.

Azerbaijan also fully understands and supports the anti-secession law adopted by China's top legislature, the National People's Congress.

The Azerbaijani president agreed with Hu's points on enhancing bilateral cooperation, noting his country's strong economic growth offered solid basis for trade and economic cooperation with China.

The two sides signed a joint statement and an agreement on trade and economic cooperation after the meeting.

Ilham Aliyev arrived here Thursday morning for a three-day visit. It is his first state visit to China as guest of Hu. He is scheduled to visit Shanghai after his stay in Beijing.

Aliyev's companies include his wife and three ministers of foreign affairs, economic development, and sports, tourism and youth.