China will further promote trade and energy cooperation with Yemen as the two countries have complementary economies, said Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo on Friday.

The two countries have laid sound foundation for cooperation in trade and energy, which complies with the fundamental interests of both sides, said Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

"We are ready to make joint efforts with Yemen to make use of each other's advantages to enrich bilateral cooperation under the principle of mutual benefit," said Wu in a meeting with visiting Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Wu urged the two countries to cement cooperation on large projects in the fields of trade, energy and telecommunication.

China and Yemen, as developing countries with the mission to pursue peace, promote development and improve people's life, enjoy traditional friendship, said Wu.

The two countries have been reliable on and supportive of each other, and maintained coordination in international and regional affairs since they forged diplomatic relations 50 years ago, said Wu.

The top lawmaker said the NPC will increase friendly exchanges with the Yemeni parliament to contribute to bilateral relations.

Saleh said Yemen-China relations are in their best period since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Yemen will learn from China, which has made great achievement in its reform and modernization process, he added.

Yemen attaches great importance to the relations with China and will push forward bilateral relations to a new height.

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2006)