Although China and Yemen were far apart, the two countries had shared a traditional friendship, Qian said. Since diplomatic ties were set up 46 years ago, the friendship and cooperation between the two countries had grown steadily.

The Chinese government valued the important contributions by Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh in promoting bilateral relations as well as their traditional friendship and cooperation in all areas, especially oil.

Qian said both countries were developing nations, sharing similar views on and common interests in international affairs. Boosting bilateral relations was in the basic interests of the two countries and China was keen to improve bilateral ties with Yemen, he said.

Kurbi said Yemen and China were both countries with a long history of civilization. They had a traditional friendship and unique ties, which were a solid base for further building bilateral relations, he said.

The Yemeni government valued the friendly cooperative ties with China in all areas, Kurbi said. He praised China's achievements in economic development and expressed hope the two sides would further promote cooperation.

Kurbi spoke highly of China's appointment of an envoy on the Mideast issue and said he believed China would play a more important role in international and regional affairs.

The two also exchanged views on the Mideast and Iraq issues.

(Xinhua News Agency December 26, 2002)