President Hu Jintao and visiting Indonesian counterpart Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono oversaw the signing of five agreements, ranging from defence co-operation to Chinese language teaching, in Beijing Thursday.

The Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence of China and the Ministry of Research and Technology of Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on research and development in defence technological co-operation, but did not give details.

Other agreements included an MOU on rebuilding in tsunami-hit areas funded by non-governmental donations from China, an agreement on grant assistance in relation to economic and technical co-operation, a general loan agreement of US$100 million of preferential buyers' credit and an agreement concerning Chinese language teaching.

President Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao held separate meetings Thursday with Susilo, who arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a four-day trip.

In April, Hu made a two-day state visit to Indonesia, during which the two sides agreed to establish a "strategic partnership" and pledged to increase two-way trade to US$20 billion within three years.

Hu told Susilo Thursday that China appreciates the Indonesian Government's one-China policy and supports it in cracking down on separatism and terrorism.

He said the two countries should push bilateral co-operation in infrastructure, energy, resources, telecommunication, agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors.

The maritime co-operative mechanism, covering navigation safety, oceanic environmental protection and maritime security, should also be improved, said Hu.

Hu's proposals included the introduction of a defence consultation mechanism and increased partnership in disaster-reduction as well as culture and tourism.

Susilo thanked China for its preferential loan and assistance, which will support Indonesia's economic and social development as well as reconstruction in tsunami-hit areas.

The Indonesian Government is willing to make joint efforts with China to push for friendship across various sectors, Susilo said.

Source: China Daily