RIYADH - Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao urged Saudi and Chinese enterprises to expand cooperation and mutual investment here Sunday.

Wen made the remarks while meeting Saudi entrepreneurs, including Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, president of the Saudi Arabia-China Friendship Association.

The Chinese premier said his visit to Saudi Arabia this time was aimed at seeking cooperation and strengthening friendship between the two countries.

Regarded Saudi Arabia as a good friend and partner, the Chinese government encouraged enterprises of both sides to boost cooperation in such fields as energy, trade and infrastructure and expand mutual investment, he said.

Mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, particularly the youth of the two countries, was the cornerstone of China-Saudi Arabia cooperation, Wen said, adding the two countries should step up their cultural exchanges.

Al-Jeraisy, echoed by other Saudi entrepreneurs, said China was a reliable friend and important partner of Saudi Arabia.

He said the two countries trusted each other politically and their ever-expanding trade and economic cooperation had brought tangible benefits for both sides.

Wen arrived here Saturday evening after a short official visit to Nepal on the same day.