Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Mexican counterpart, Vicente Fox, agreed in their talks in Bangkok Monday to further develop the friendly ties between the two countries.

Their meeting took place here prior to the opening of the 11th Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Both leaders spoke highly of the progress in relations between the two countries and lauded the bilateral cooperation in a wide range of fields in recent years.

Hu said the Chinese government attaches great importance to developing an all-round friendly cooperation with Mexico.

He called on the two sides to join hands in fully tapping the potential of bilateral cooperation, support the business circles of both countries and further bilateral ties.

Fox said China's rapid development constitutes a stabilizing force in the region and also provides Mexico with great opportunities for developing its domestic economy.

Mexico would work with China for an even more beautiful future for bilateral ties, Fox added.

The two leaders also exchanged views on cooperation in APEC and other regional and international organizations.

(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2003)