China, Yemen pledge to step up ties

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) shakes hands with visiting Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi during their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 14, 2013. (Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday met with visiting Yemeni President Abdorabuh Mansour Hadi, pledging to improve bilateral relations.

Hailing the two countries' political mutual trust, mutual respect and healthy development of bilateral ties, Li said China will continue to support Yemen's efforts in safeguarding its stability and development as well as advancing its political transition process, adding China is willing to upgrade the two countries' bilateral relations to a higher level.

China is willing to increase cooperation in all fields, create better plans for economic and trade cooperation, further provide assistance for Yemen in personnel training, encourage more Chinese companies to conduct business in Yemen and broaden financing channels, said the premier.

He said China wants Yemen to make concrete efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese people in Yemen.

Hadi spoke highly of China's role in safeguarding regional peace and stability and promoting Yemen's economic growth.

Yemen hopes to strengthen coordination with China, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, he said, adding that Yemen welcomes China's investment and will provide convenience for investors.