Beijing  - Chinese President Hu Jintao met Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday, with both leaders reaffirming the traditional close friendship between the two nations.

Hu praised Gilani's "consistent effort to uphold China-Pakistan friendship" and his focus on developing the links between them, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

"I appreciate your comment that no matter how the international situation has changed, the people of China and Pakistan are always joined in hearts and hands," Hu was quoted as saying.

Gilani arrived in Beijing Monday evening for a four-day official visit to China.

He was also scheduled to meet Premier Wen Jiabao and other Chinese leaders, and to observe Wednesday's meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a Central Asian security grouping.

Before leaving Pakistan, Gilani said his visit would promote economic and defence cooperation between Pakistan and China as well as strengthen cultural and social relations.

China is Pakistan's main military equipment supplier, and has helped the nuclear-armed Muslim nation to develop major infrastructure projects.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was founded in 2001 to enhance security cooperation between its six member states China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.(dpa)