国内英语新闻:China pledges to support Iceland's financial stability, economic growth

ABU DHABI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here Monday that China supports the efforts of European countries, including Iceland, to preserve financial stability and maintain economic growth.

Wen made the remarks during his meeting with Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson on the sidelines of the 5th World Future Energy Summit.

The Chinese premier lauded the significant progress in China-Iceland relations, saying that China eyes on maintaining high-level exchanges, cementing consultation at various levels with Iceland, and consolidating mutual political trust.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Jan. 16, 2012.

In coping with the global financial crisis, the two countries should seek opportunities to boost market confidence, expand bilateral trade, promote mutual investment and deepen communications in culture, education and tourism, Wen said.

China and Iceland share huge potential of cooperation in such fields as energy conservation, carbon emission reductions, geothermal power and glaciers, Wen noted.

Agreeing with Wen's views on bilateral relations, Grimsson expressed his appreciation of China's support for Iceland as well as other European nations in tackling the global financial crisis and reaffirmed his confidence in future bilateral cooperation.

Iceland will work with China to deepen cooperation in such fields as new energy, environmental protection, ship-building, and polar regions research to promote the sustainable development of the world, Grimsson stressed.

Wen arrived here Monday after concluding an official visit to Saudi Arabia. The trip will also take him to Qatar.