Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao said Wednesday that China will seek an early free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Abdul Rahman Al-Attiyah, secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, Feb. 11, 2009. Hu is in Saudi Arabia for a state visit.[Xinhua/Ju Peng]

"The FTA is in the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides and will help deepen their mutually beneficial cooperation and achieve common development," Hu said during a meeting with GCC Secretary General Abdul Rahman Al-Attiya in Riyadh, where the council is headquartered.

"China will work actively toward signing the agreement at an early date," Hu said.

Al-Attiya echoed Hu's views and pledged efforts to complete the FTA talks as soon as possible.

China and the GCC launched FTA negotiations in July 2004, and the first round of the talks took place in April 2005.

Established in 1981, the GCC now groups six Arab countries -- Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

China-GCC ties have witnessed rapid development in recent years, Hu said, citing frequent high-level visits, growing political trust, and increased cooperation in trade and energy.

"The GCC has become an important economic, trade and energy partner of China," he said.

Hu called for setting in motion of the mechanism of the strategic dialogue between China and the GCC at an early date, with the aim to enhance coordination in international and regional affairs.

Hu said the two sides should continue their energy dialogue, make joint efforts to maintain stability on global energy markets and also explore cooperation in non-energy sectors.