Chinese President Hu Jintao said Tuesday that China and Yemen
are "all-weather" friends sharing mutual trust and good cooperative
ties.
Hu made the remarks in his meeting with visiting Yemeni Prime
Minister Abdul Qader Bajammal.
China and Yemen have enjoyed friendship and achieved new growth
in their bilateral ties in recent years, Hu said.
He also praised the mutual trust and cooperation between the two
countries in international affairs.
China considers its ties with Yemen important and will work with
Yemen to explore new areas and means for expanding mutually
beneficial cooperation, he said, adding that such cooperation can
benefit the peoples of both countries.
The Chinese president also praised the achievements made by the
Yemeni people in national construction under the leadership of
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh following the country's
reunification.
He commended the endeavors made by the country in safeguarding
unity and cooperation among Arab countries and its important role
in regional affairs.
Hu said that China, a close friend of Arab countries, sincerely
hopes Arab nations will strengthen solidarity and cooperation for
coping with common tasks and challenges and safeguarding their
rights and interests.
Bajammal told Hu that his government and people thank China for
its assistance and support to Yemen and hope to expand cooperation
with China in politics, economy, tourism, education and other
areas. "The door of Yemen is open to Chinese enterprises," he
said.
He also praised China's role in safeguarding world peace and
development and China's consistent support of the just cause of
Arab countries.
The Yemeni prime minister was here for a four-day official visit
at the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao.
(Xinhua News Agency March 31, 2004)