Chinese President Hu Jintao met in Boao Saturday with former Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Mahathir Bin Mohamad.

Hu met Mahathir after delivering a keynote speech and answeringquestions at the opening ceremony of the annual conference 2004 ofthe Boao Forum for Asia (BFA). Mahathir attended the opening meeting of the BFA session, which was held at Boao Township in thesouthernmost island province of Hainan.

Hu said this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia.

China and Malaysia trust and support each other in political fields and share mutually-beneficial cooperation in economic spheres, Hu said.

Malaysia has become China's largest trade partner in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). The two countries have had close coordination and cooperation in international and regional issues, making efforts to facilitate cooperation in the East Asia region and protect the developing countries' interest, Hu said.

Hu was appreciative of Mahathir's contribution to the good bilateral ties, saying China supports East Asia cooperation and supports the ASEAN to play an important role in such progress.

China is determined to enhance regional cooperation and is willing to expand exchange and cooperation with East Asian countries in all aspects, Hu said.

Mahathir said that the BFA serves as a bridge amongst Asian countries and between Asia and the world. He hopes the forum wouldstrengthen cooperation between all sides along with the rise of its influence.

The growth of China's market will benefit regional cooperation in Asia, he said.

Source: Xinhua