Chinese President Hu Jintao visited here today the Shoura (Consultative) Council. In a welcome address for the Chinese President, Chairman of the Shoura Council Dr Saleh bin Humeid said the Council is an integrated organ for development. He noted that the model development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia carries congruity with the Chinese example in some points. "Both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China have brought about development and progress in a manner that suits their respective values and realize the aspirations of their people, benefitting from the experiences of others in addition to preservation of the national identity', he elaborated. Dr bin Humeid noted that the Shoura Council has been approving and ratifying several international agreements and treaties in addition to observing the performance of the governmental organs. He pointed out that the Shoura Council has established relationship with a number of friendly parliaments and regional and international Federations. "The Shoura Council supports the initiative the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz which calls for dialogue of civilizations and mutual respect of nations in addition to realization of mutual interests', he said. Highlighting the Saudi-Chinese relations, Dr bin Humied said these bilateral ties are "deep-rooted relations" and date back to hundreds of years. The Kingdom is keen on enhancing the pillars of peace and realizing the welfare of the human society' he said Dr bin Humeid said the diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and China, which were established in 1990, have opened new horizons for economic cooperation. He underlined the importance the visit of King Abdullah to China in 1998, and said the visit had laid new basis for relationship between the Two countries. Dr bin Humeid hoped that the current visit of the Chinese President to the Kingdom would further enhance bilateral relations. He noted that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries amounted to $16 billion in 2005. Dr bin Humeid praised the wise policy of China and said it has positively contributed to enhancing the pillars of the global peace He noted that the Shoura Council will support any positive development in bilateral relations, and adhere to the principle of One-China. --MORE 1512 Local Time 1212 GMT
