Chinese president pledges closer ties with Sweden

Chinese President Hu Jintao said Friday China would work closely with Sweden to lift bilateral ties to a new level.

While meeting with Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf in Beijing, Hu said China highly values relations with Sweden and will further promote cooperation between the two countries in the spirit of mutual respect and benefit.

"China and Sweden have no conflict of fundamental interests despite different national conditions, and good bilateral ties have brought tangible benefits to both peoples," said Hu.

Hu also highlighted the smooth development of bilateral ties since the two countries established diplomatic relations 60 years ago.

Sweden was the first western country to forge diplomatic ties with New China.

The Swedish King, who arrived in Beijing Thursday for a five-day visit to China, recalled the friendly exchanges between Sweden and China over the past 60 years, saying Hu's 2007 visit to Sweden had boosted bilateral cooperation.

An innovation forum, jointly held by the two countries, will have a positive influence on cooperation in new fields between the two countries, said the Swedish King.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang expressed hope the two nations would increase innovation cooperation while addressing the forum.

China's innovation business has made certain achievements while Sweden is one of the world's most innovative and inventive nations, Li said.