BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with visiting Qatar Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasim Bin Jabir Al-Thani here on Thursday. The two sides agreed to step up bilateral friendly and cooperative relations.

    Wen hailed the development of bilateral ties on the basis of respect, equality and mutual benefits over the past 20 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties. He expressed China's appreciation of Qatar's adherence to the one-China policy.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (front, L) and Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasim Bin Jabir Al-Thani (front, R) inspect the guard of honor at the welcoming ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2008.

    Wen noted that breakthroughs had been made in energy cooperation between China and Qatar, which also brought along collaboration in relevant industries.

    The advantages of economic complementarity of both countries were transforming into real results, he added.

    Wen said all countries, regardless of size, could make contributions to world peace and development.

    China attached great importance to developing relations with Qatar and was ready to maintain high-level exchanges and promote mutual trust with the country.

    He proposed the two countries focus on cooperation in energy and infrastructure, encourage bilateral investments and expand trade scale, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture, education, aviation and tourism, as well as increase coordination in international and regional affairs.

    Sheikh Hamad said Qatar had always adhered to the one-China policy and believed the country would host a successful Olympic Games.

    Qatar was willing to make joint efforts with China to develop strategic friendly and cooperative relations, he said, adding Qatar would promote cooperation with China in energy, aviation and investment.

    Qatar also supported China's efforts in its collective cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the prime minister said.

    After the meeting, the two leaders attended a signing ceremony of a series agreements concerning energy, culture and education.

    The Qatari prime minister arrived in Beijing on April 6, kicking off his visit to China. He will also attend the Boao Forum for Asia on April 12.