Wen Giabao:China's Relations With Qatar Strategic

Doha, January 18 (QNA) -The Chinese Prime Minister Wen Giabao Wednesday described his country's relations with Qatar as strategic, noting that China has been seeking to boost the exchange of visits and bilateral cooperation covering various sectors. Wen said at a news conference at Ritz Carlton Hotel that his country was committed to implementing the agreements signed during his current Gulf trip in order to step up cooperation between China and Qatar as well as other GCC countries. Wen noted that his talks in Qatar will cover investment sectors. He said his country wanted to establish a long-term relationship with Qatar in the natural gas sector . The issue was one of the most important topics that he discussed with Qatar officials , he said. He also pointed out that cooperation between the two sides will focus on issues of priority to Qatar such as refinery and petrochemicals industry. Both sides agreed on the establishment of a joint refinery venture in China and on encouraging Chinese companies to invest in Qatar. Such cooperation will have a positive impact on relations between the two countries, he explained.(QNA)