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)