(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-06 23:53

BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao held a telephone conversation with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Friday evening, expressing his appreciation for Saudi Arabia's assistance for China's quake-hit area.

Hu said King Abdullah offered sympathy and condolences to the Chinese government and people and swiftly provided aid to the quake-stricken area at this crucial moment when a strong earthquake shocked China's southwestern province of Sichuan.

The move embodied the profound friendship of the king, the Saudi Arabian government and its people toward the Chinese people.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, especially the people in the quake-hit area, Hu expressed sincere appreciation to King Abdullah, the Saudi Arabian government and its people.

He said, "We have determination and confidence to win a full victory in fighting the disaster and relief work with support and help from the international community, including Saudi Arabia."

Over the phone, King Abdullah again expressed his sincere condolences to the Chinese government and its people, saying that the Saudi Arabian people enjoy a profound friendship with the Chinese people and pay sincere tribute to them.

He hoped the Chinese government and its people will overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes soon.

Hu also spoke highly of King Abdullah, who attaches importance to China-Saudi Arabia relations, and his achievement toward the development of bilateral ties.

He said, "We always treat Saudi Arabia as a sincere and reliable friend and partner. China is willing to work together with Saudi Arabia to constantly strengthen mutual beneficially cooperation in various fields to push the China-Saudi Arabia friendly strategic and cooperative relations to a higher level."

King Abdullah said his country is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with China to jointly promote further development of the China-Saudi Arabia relations.