China seeks broader cooperation with GCC

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-12-2009 12:25

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President Hu Jintao is continuing his visit to Saudi Arabia. On Wednesday, he met with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, seeking to broaden cooperation with the six-member group. President Hu also visited some Sino-Saudi Arabian cooperative projects.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Abdul  Rahman Al-Attiyah, secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation  Council (GCC), in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, Feb. 11,  2009. Hu is in Saudi Arabia for a state visit.(Xinhua/Ju Peng)

The Chinese president's visit to the Gulf Cooperation Council headquarters aims to deepen relations and expand cooperation.

While meeting with the Council's Secretary General, Abdul Rahman Al-Attiya, Hu Jintao said China will seek a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

He said an FTA will help deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.

Al-Attiya pledged efforts to complete the FTA talks as soon as possible.

China and the GCC launched FTA negotiations in July 2004. The first round of talks took place a few months later.