Qatari Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al-Thani met separately with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Wednesday.

 

During the meetings, the crown prince and the prime minister said that bilateral ties have been developing rapidly and economic and trade cooperation has been fruitful, adding that the two countries share similar views on many international issues.

 

Qatar attaches importance to developing its ties with China and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and support China's reunification, they said.

 

They added that Qatar hopes to strengthen political consultation, expand cooperation in the areas of economy, trade and investment and enhance coordination in international affairs.

 

For his part, Li said that Sino-Qatari ties have been progressing since the establishment of their diplomatic ties in 1988, and economic and trade cooperation has brought about tangible benefits to the peoples of the two countries.

 

China appreciates Qatar's firm support on the Taiwan issue, he said, adding that China cherishes its friendship with Qatar and is willing to develop a long-term and stable cooperative relationship with Qatar.

 

On Tuesday evening, Li also held talks with Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabir Al-Thani on ways to further promote bilateral ties.

 

Qatar is the second leg of Li's four-nation tour in the Middle East, which has taken him to Kuwait and will also take him to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 25, 2006)