Yemeni Prime Minister Abdul Qader Bajammal said in Beijing Tuesday at a press conference that China is a true friend of Yemen and that his visit here has been fruitful.  

Bajammal arrived here Sunday on a four-day official visit to China.

The economic and trade relations between the two countries progressed significantly, with the bilateral trade volume reaching US$1.9 billion in 2003, and the on-agenda cooperation projects worth US$500 million, Bajammal said.

According to him, cooperation between Yemen and China improved greatly in fields of crude oil, natural gas, energy, industry, communication and other areas, and the two sides have signed agreements worth 300 million yuan (US$36 million).

Relations between Yemen and China are the most pure and practical in the current world. China is not only Yemen's partner in economic development, but was also a friend during Yemen's struggle for independence and unification, Bajammal said.

"The bilateral ties are deepening and broadening with every passing day," he said.

This is Bajammal's fourth visit to China, and he said he was deeply impressed by China's "earth-shaking" changes every time he is here.

He said: "China has scored great development during a short period of time, which reflects that the Chinese leaders are vigorous and the Chinese people are able to keep pace with the rushing tides of modern world."

(Xinhua News Agency March 31, 2004)