Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) meets with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in Yalta, Ukraine, June 18, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

YALTA, Ukraine -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Ukrainian counterpart Viktor Yanukovich met here Saturday evening to further deepen bilateral cooperation.

"China is ready to work with Ukraine to promote bilateral cooperation and exchanges in a comprehensive and extensive way," Hu said during the meeting, adding the two countries should work hard to carry on the friendship between the two peoples from generation to generation.

Hu expressed appreciation with the Ukrainian side for viewing its relations with China as the priority in its foreign policy.

Hu said over the past nearly two decades, China-Ukrainian relations have seen healthy and smooth growth. He said the two sides have carried out fruitful cooperation in the areas of politics, trade, economy, science, technology, culture and international affairs.

Yanukovich said Hu's visit is of great significance to the government and people of Ukraine. He said this visit will add fresh impetus to the development of bilateral relations and lift the links to a new height.

After the meeting, Hu attended a dinner party hosted by Yanukovich.

Hu arrived in Simferopol for a visit to Ukraine Saturday morning. He is the first Chinese head of state who visited Ukraine in the past decade.

Hu will fly to Kiev on Sunday to continue his visit.