国内英语新闻:China's top political adviser meets with Oman's Sultan

He proposed that the two sides should continue to strengthen political cooperation and expand the exchanges between governments and provinces and cities.

China and Oman should increase bilateral trade, encourage two-way investment, and promote the cooperation in the fields of construction, communication and electricity, Jia said.

He also noted the two sides should join hands to promote China's relations with the Arab states and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

For his part, Qaboos commended the historical friendship and the bilateral cooperation between China and Oman.

Oman pays great attention to developing its relations with China and is ready to promote the political mutual trust and the cooperation in all fields. Oman welcomes Chinese investment and also encourages its enterprises to invest in China, he said.

The Sultanate is willing to build a closer friendship with China and supports China's efforts to develop friendly cooperation with the Gulf region, Qaboos said.

During his stay in Oman, Jia met with members of the Oman-China Friendship Association, which was established Sunday.

Jia noted that the two countries were tied through the Sea Silk Road and Spice Route in the sixth century. China's great sailor Zheng He led his fleets to arrive in Oman for three times in the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century. The bilateral relations have been developing fast in all the fields since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1978.

Jia stressed that the traditional friendship should be cherished and expanded. The establishment of the association mirrors the willingness of the Sultanate to strengthen friendship and cooperation.

The association should keep close contact with its counterpart in China to become an important envoy between the two countries, he said.

Oman is the third leg of Jia's four-state visit. He has visited Syria and Poland and will visit Kazakhstan.