After meeting with President Hu Jintao in Beijing, Aliyev and his Chinese counterpart attended the signing of bilateral agreements on economic and technological co-operation, prevention of double taxation and tax evasion, and mutual assistance in customs affairs, among other items.

Azerbaijan's exports to China hit US$40 million last year, rising 16 per cent year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

"We see China as a friend, a sincere partner and hope for continuous development of our friendly relations," Aliyev told Hu.

He also reiterated Azerbaijan's backing of China's stance on Taiwan and the fight on terrorism, adding that his government "fully understands and supports" China's anti-secession legislation.

Hu said China expects to work more closely with Azerbaijan in such sectors as energy, transport, telecommunication and infrastructure construction, and will support Azerbaijan's goal of joining the World Trade Organization.

Aliyev, elected President of Azerbaijan in 2003, arrived in Beijing yesterday on his first state visit to China.

He will meet with Premier Wen Jiabao Friday and then leave for Shanghai, where he will wind up his China trip and leave Saturday.

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