Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met here Wednesday with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabir al-Thani over bilateral relations and international affairs.

Qatar is an important country in the Gulf region with mounting economic strength and international influence, said Wen, who arrived here earlier in the day for an official visit.

Wen noted that the relations between China and Qatar are becoming increasingly close and that the two sides have carried out fruitful exchanges and cooperation in such fields as politics, economy and culture.

(Source: Xinhua)