On June 9, Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is on a state visit to Sweden, met in Stockholm with Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf, exchanging views on bilateral relations in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

Despite the distance keeping the two countries apart, the friendship between the two peoples goes back to ancient times, said Hu. Sweden was the first Western country to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. "For the past 57 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, bilateral ties have seen a steady growth," Hu said. The political mutual trust has deepened with closer communication and coordination in international affairs and two-way trade scoring fruitful results, he noted, adding that the two countries have also maintained close exchanges and cooperation in the areas of science, technology, culture, education and environmental protection. The Chinese government values its economic ties with Sweden and supports enterprises from both countries to enhance cooperation, he said.

The Chinese leader also expressed appreciation of the contributions King Carl Gustaf and the Swedish royal family have made in promoting the China-Sweden friendly ties. He said China attaches great importance to developing ties with Sweden and is ready to push forward bilateral friendly cooperative ties based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

King Carl Gustaf expressed warm welcome for President Hu's state visit to Sweden and recalled with delight his visit to China in 2006, describing the tour as "unforgettable." The king also hailed the sound development of bilateral ties, which can be seen in rapid trade growth, increasing mutual investment and fruitful educational exchanges. He pledged continued efforts by the royal family and himself to boost bilateral friendly cooperation with China.

Hu Jintao's wife Liu Yongqing and Queen Silvia attended the meeting.

Before the meeting, King Carl Gustaf hosted a grand welcoming ceremony for President Hu's state visit at the palace. President Hu Jintao and his wife, accompanied by Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf, took the traditional carriage to the palace. The military band played the national anthems of both countries and Hu, accompanied by King Carl Gustaf, inspected the Guards of Honor.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan attended the ceremony.