Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing says China will work to strengthen all-round cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Reports say China's top diplomat has discussed the issue of high oil prices with GCC officials.

GCC Secretary-General Abdul-rahman Al-attiyah says the oil-producing member states are ready to supply China with needed oil and gas within the strategic partnership between the two parties.

The GCC will also send visitors in November to China to discuss the launch of negotiations on a free trade agreement.

Abdul-rahman Al-attiyah also reiterates that the Gulf Cooperation Council and its member states will persist in the one-China principle.

(CRI September 9, 2004)