Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Friday that China will cooperate with Azerbaijan in energy and encourage Chinese companies to invest in agriculture, information, transport and infrastructure in Azerbaijan.

Wen made the remarks during his meeting with visiting Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.

He said trade and economic cooperation between China and Azerbaijan has seen great development during the past few years.

But the two countries have yet to tap the huge potential of their economic links.

Noting that the two economies are mutually complementary, Wen said China and Azerbaijan are in a good position to increase bilateral trade and economic cooperation by fully utilizing their own "specific advantages."

He said China is ready to carry out cooperation in the energy sector with Azerbaijan on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefits and equality. Wen said the Chinese government supports and encourages Chinese companies to invest in the agriculture, information, transport and infrastructure sectors in Azerbaijan.

The two also exchanged views on such issues as fighting against terrorism and regional security.

Aliyev said the Azerbaijan government places great importance on developing exchanges and cooperation with China. He said the two countries share great potential for cooperation in the fields of trade, agriculture, energy and tourism.

Aliyev noted that Chinese companies have done well in Azerbaijan and that Chinese farming machines are very popular in his country.

Azerbaijan will take active measures to facilitate Chinese companies to invest in the country, Aliyev said.

Source: Xinhua