Mr Hu thanked Mr Nathan for his country's support for the Beijing Games and wished the Singaporean athletes score good results in the competitions, Xinhua news agency reported.

Mr Nathan praised Beijing for its grand and spectacular Olympics opening ceremony held last Friday night, and the well-organised competitions, saying China's successful hosting of the Games is a pride for all the Asian people.

Mr Hu said China values its relations with Singapore and the two countries are highly complementary in economic and social development.

'Under the complicated and ever-changing international situation, we should further enhance cooperation and seek common development,' Mr Hu said, adding that China is willing to work together with Singapore to keep promoting bilateral relations to new highs.

Singapore cherishes its relations with China, said Mr Nathan, adding that his country expects to strengthen the friendly and reciprocal cooperation with China and enhance their communication and coordination in international and regional affairs.

China's development benefits Singapore and Asia at large, Mr Nathan said, adding that his country would stand together with China.

President Hu also thanked Singapore for its assistance to China following the 8.0-magnitude earthquake that hit its southwestern Sichuan Province on May 12, and briefed Mr Nathan on the relief work and post-quake reconstruction, said Xinhua.

The Singaporean president arrived in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon to watch the Beijing Olympics.