Visiting Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan met Saturday in Muscat with Omani Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud al Said on boosting bilateral trade, investment and cooperation.  

Chinese and Omani peoples have a long tradition of friendship, and the two countries have been maintaining close political ties over the past 27 years since they established diplomatic relations in May 1978, Zeng said.

Zeng said his country highly values Oman's adherence to the one-China policy and is willing to take further measures, together with the Omani side, to deepen the friendly and cooperative relations.

Bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, project contracts and labor has seen remarkable achievements in recent years with bilateral trade volume amounting to US$4.4 billion in 2004, Zeng said.

Sustained development in the two countries' economies has offered precious opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation, Zeng said, adding that China is willing to make joint efforts with Oman to step up cooperation in the energy sector, as well as to strengthen cooperation in communications, personnel training and construction of roads and harbors.

For his part, Fahd said Omani-Chinese political and economic ties have always been in good shape. Oman will further enhance political consultations and economic cooperation with China and cooperate actively with China in regional and international affairs, Fahd said.

Fahd said he hopes the two countries will consolidate their traditional friendship, expand bilateral trade, boost cooperation and investment in the energy field.

Zeng arrived in Oman after a visit to Russia. He is also expected to visit the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where he will attend the Second South Summit.

(Xinhua News Agency June 13, 2005)