Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers during their meeting in Beijing, China, Aug. 11, 2008. Valdis Zatlers attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 8. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met with President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers on the sidelines of the Beijing Olympics on Monday to review bilateral ties and seek further cooperation.

    Hu said China's relations with Latvia have been forged ahead smoothly since the two countries clinched diplomatic ties 17 years ago.

    China values such relations and is ready to work with Latvia in promoting all-round development of bilateral ties by maintaining exchanges at all levels, enhancing contacts between their governments, legislatures and political parties, expanding channels for trade and economic cooperation, broadening exchanges and cooperation in diverse fields including science and technology, culture and education, and maintaining good coordination in international affairs, Hu said.

    Zatlers echoed Hu's views on bilateral ties, saying his country is ready to work with China to expand cooperation in economic and trade fields and boost exchanges in education and cultural sectors.

    During the meeting, Hu extended a welcome to Zatlers, and expressed thanks for Latvia's support to Beijing in hosting the Games.

    Zatlers was among more than 80 foreign leaders and royals that attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 8.

    He congratulated China on the successful organization of the Beijing Olympics, which satisfied himself and all Latvian athletes, and on Chinese athletes' achievements since competitions began on Saturday.