Chinese president continues visit in Saudi Arabia

Source: Xinhua | 02-12-2009 11:00

RIYADH, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao continued his state visit in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday with a tour to a plant constructed by a Chinese company and a meeting with the chief of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

In the morning, Hu visited a plant of the Riyadh Cement Company, which was constructed by China's Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd.

The president was briefed on the operations of the plant, and toured its central controlling room.

Later, the Chinese leader visited the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, where a group of Chinese scientists were working on a project studying the genes of dates.

"The project is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries in the sector of science and technology," said an official in Hu's delegation.

Hu also held talks on Wednesday with GCC Secretary General Abdul Rahman Al-Attiya in Riyadh, where the council is headquartered.

Hu said that China will seek an early free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

"An FTA is in the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides and will help deepen their mutually beneficial cooperation and achieve common development," Hu said during the meeting with Al-Attiya.

"China will strive to sign the agreement at an early date," Hu said.