Qatar is willing to further push forward its relations with China, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani said Sunday during talks with visiting Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie.

Sheikh Hamad said Qatar and China have enjoyed a long-term friendship, noting that Qatar is willing to cooperate with China in various fields in a bid to push ahead the bilateral ties.

Liang, who is also a state councilor, said the relations between China and Qatar have developed smoothly since the two sides established diplomatic ties in 1988.

The two countries have strengthened political trust with increasing exchanges in all areas and are maintaining sound contact and coordination in international and regional affairs, he said.

China attaches importance to developing military relations with Qatar and will make joint efforts with the Gulf Arab country in promoting bilateral exchanges, deepening practical cooperation and developing enduring and stable relations on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, Liang said.

Liang also appreciated Qatar's firm adherence to the one-China policy and its assistance to China in the wake of the devastating Wenchuan earthquake in May.

Also on Sunday, Liang met with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Qatar's crown prince and deputy commander in chief of the armed forces, as well as Chief of the General StaffHamad Bin Ali Al-Attiya.

Liang arrived in Doha on Saturday on the last leg of his Gulf tour which has already taken him to the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Bahrain.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2008)