Vice President Zeng Qinghong said Tuesday that China places importance on relations with Oman and is ready to further advance bilateral cooperation.

Zeng put forward a number of suggestions in this respect during his talks with visiting Deputy Prime Minister of the Sultanate of Oman Fahd bin Mahmoud al-Said Tuesday afternoon.

Zeng said the two countries should maintain high-level contact and exchanges so as to continuously push forward the friendly and cooperative relations.

The two countries should strengthen trade and economic cooperation by facilitating investment and cooperation by companies from both sides, he said.

Zeng said the two countries should deepen and explore new channels of mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of energy.

The two countries should continue to expand cooperation in such fields as human resources training, culture, public health, agriculture, fishery and tourism, he added.

Fahd said trade and economic cooperation is an important part of the relationship between Oman and China, adding that with the rapid growth of China's economy, there exists a broad prospect for cooperation between the two countries.

Oman is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in such fields as trade, economy and energy and welcomes more Chinese companies to invest in the country, Fahd said.

Zeng said China has maintained a sound relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council and is willing to join efforts with Oman and other member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council to lift their friendly cooperation to a new level.

Fahd said Oman desires to make new efforts to push forward cooperation between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council member states as well as the Arab countries.

Zeng spoke highly about the relations between China and Oman. He said the two countries share a long tradition of friendly exchanges. Since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1978, the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries have developed smoothly, with deepening political trust, frequent exchanges at all levels and good cooperation on regional and international issues.

China appreciates Oman's firm support to China on the Taiwan and human rights issues over the years, Zeng said.

Fahd agreed with Zeng's comments on bilateral relations and his suggestions to further expand friendly bilateral cooperation.

Noting that China has a long history and splendid culture, Fahd said Oman has always cherished admiration for the civilization. He said the people of Oman and China have a long-standing friendship that serves as the sound foundation for the development of bilateral relations.

Fahd said since the two countries established diplomatic relations, they have made continuous progress in advancing bilateral links and cooperation in all fields. The two countries have maintained good coordination and cooperation on international affairs.

Fahd said Oman will continue to stick to the one-China policy and actively enhance friendship with China.

Fahd arrived in Beijing from Shanghai on Monday, continuing his visit to China.

This is Fahd's first China visit and the first highest-ranking Omani official visit to the country over the past decade.

During his stay in Beijing, Fahd also met with Premier Wen Jiabao Tuesday and will meet with Vice Premier Wu Yi Wednesday.

Fahd arrived in Shanghai on September 24, starting his five-day visit as guest of Zeng.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2005)