Chinese premier calls for closer cooperation with Gulf countries

Chinses Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with one of the representatives attending the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Sept. 27, 2005.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Tuesday that China hopes to enhance cooperation with Gulf countries to achieve common development.

Expressing his appreciation of the friendly relations between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Wen told Fahad Bin Mahmoud Al-Said, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, that China hopes to further exchanges and cooperation with gulf countries to achieve common development.

Wen said China and Oman are mutually complementary in economy and have great potential in furthering cooperation.

He suggested the two countries continue cooperation in energy resources, project construction and personnel training and take measures to encourage two-way investment.

Wen also hailed the China-Oman ties, saying that the trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries could be dated back to the 6th century.

He said the Chinese government will continue to support Omani government's efforts in developing national economy and maintaining Gulf region's peace and stability.

In response, Fahad said Oman will continue to promote the cooperative ties between the GCC countries and China.

He said China has won international respects with its friendly foreign policy and success in developing national economy and Oman hopes to further Oman-China friendly ties and trade cooperation.

Oman firmly believes that Taiwan is the inalienable part of China and the Omani government will continue to abide by the one-China policy, said Fahad.

Source: Xinhua