Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz during their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, on Jan. 24, 2006.

China and Saudi Arabia will continue to expand two-way investment with the emphasis on cooperation in energy, infrastructure and telecommunications, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Tuesday in Beijing.

Wen made the remarks in a meeting with King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz who is here on a state visit as guest of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Wen said Saudi Arabia is China's biggest trade partner in west Asia and north Africa. The bilateral economic and trade contacts have become closer with each passing day.

As both China and Saudi Arabia witness rapid economic growth, the two sides should seize the opportunity to expand cooperation and achieve common development, Wen said.

China pays great attention to bilateral relations and wish to further strengthen political mutual trust, economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchanges, and coordination and cooperation in international affairs with Saudi Arabia, he added.

The relations between China and countries in the Gulf Region have become increasingly close.

The Chinese side will make concerted efforts with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council including Saudi Arabia to push for the signing of a bilateral free-trade agreement as early as possible, Wen said.

Abdullah said there is a deep friendship between the Saudi Arabian and Chinese people and the Saudi Arabian people appreciate China's support for the just cause of the Arabian people and China's positive role in international affairs.

He said the two countries have firm bilateral relations and he has experienced, through his current visit, China's sincerity of pushing forward the development of bilateral ties.

The Saudi Arabian side will work with the Chinese side to promote bilateral reciprocal cooperation in wide-ranging spheres such as politics, economy and trade, the king said.

Source: Xinhua