Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul-Aziz said on Tuesday that he wishes to strengthen ties with China to push for a deeper and faster development of the strategic and friendly bilateral cooperation.

Sultan, also deputy prime minister and minister of defense, aviation and inspector general, made the remarks during his meeting with the new Chinese Ambassador Yang Honglin.

Calling China a "sincere friend," Sultan said his country places great importance on its friendly cooperation with China.

Saudi Arabia and China are both peace-loving countries and have a long history of cooperation, he said.

The crown prince envisions a broad perspective in bilateral cooperation, citing similar political positions and the mutually complementary economies of the two countries.

Yang appreciated and thanked Sultan's contribution to the improvement of bilateral ties.

Considerable achievements have been scored in cooperation in politics, economy, culture, education and hygiene since both country's leaders exchanged visits in 2006, and bilateral cooperation has entered a new phase, Yang said.

China is willing to join efforts with Saudi Arabia to enhance political trust, expand economic and trade cooperation, and deepen exchanges in humanities to boost the friendly and reciprocal cooperation benefiting both peoples.

(Xinhua News Agency January 2, 2008)