China, GCC seek broader cooperation

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-12-2009 08:55

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Chinese President Hu Jintao is continuing his visit to Saudi Arabia. On Wednesday, Hu Jintao met with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC, seeking to broaden cooperation with the six-member group.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Abdul  Rahman Al-Attiyah, secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation  Council (GCC), in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, Feb. 11,  2009. Hu is in Saudi Arabia for a state visit.(Xinhua/Ju Peng)

During his busy schedule, President Hu also visited two Sino-Saudi Arabian cooperative projects.

Hu Jintao's visit to GCC headquarters aims to deepen their traditional friendship.

During a meeting with the Secretary General Abdul Rahman Al-Attiyah of the GCC, Hu Jintao said China will seek to quickly secure a free trade agreement with the organization.

Hu added such an agreement is in the interests of both sides. Al-Attiyah echoed those views and pledged efforts to complete the FTA talks as soon as possible.

Hu Jintao hailed the GCC as an important trade and energy partner, and proposed the two sides deepen cooperation in the sectors of investment, finance, culture and education. He also called for the launch of a strategic dialogue mechanism.

The two leaders stressed financial cooperation to respond jointly to the adverse impact of the global financial crisis.

Earlier in the morning, Hu Jintao toured a Saudi Arabian cement factory which was constructed by a Chinese company.

He then visited the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, where Chinese scientists are working on a collaborative project to study genetically-modified dates.

The Chinese President also spoke with local media, saying his visit had been very successful.

Editor:Zhang Ning