Foreign and Military Affairs

China promotes peace in W Asia, N Africa

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-13 22:56

BEIJING - China on Monday pledged to promote peace and stability in west Asia and north Africa as a delegation of Saudi Arabian lawmakers visit.

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"China will work with the international community including Saudi Arabia to promote peace, stability and development in the region," said Premier Wen Jiabao when meeting the delegation led by Speaker of the Majlis Ash-Shura Council of Saudi Arabia Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Ibrahim Al-Sheikh.

Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo also met with Abdullah on Monday afternoon. Wu called on relevant parties to peacefully resolve disputes through political means.

"Countries and peoples in the region will find a way of development in accordance to their national situation. Relevant parties should support efforts made by the international community and countries in the region to solve the issues, resume political stability and develop their economies," Wu said.

Abdullah said Saudi Arabia appreciated the fair stance China always holds with regard to international and regional affairs.

Premier Wen called on the two sides to conduct closer high-level contacts, support each other's core interest and major concerns, promote comprehensive energy cooperation, expand cooperation in finance, infrastructure construction and agriculture, enhance cultural exchanges and coordination in international organizations and mechanisms such UN and the G20.

Speaking highly of China's economic growth and cooperation the two countries conducted in many areas, Abdullah said Saudi Arabia will strengthen substantial cooperation with China in all areas, promote bilateral friendly communication and push forward bilateral relations.

Wu, chairman of Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislative body, also discussed with Abdullah about strengthening  parliamentary exchanges between the two countries.

The legislative bodies of the two countries should further strengthen exchanges on various levels including those regarding parliamentary leaders, special committees and friendly groups, and enhance cooperation in multilateral parliamentary organizations such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Wu said.

Wu also said he appreciated Saudi Arabia's firm support to China on issues concerning its core interest.