BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- China would like to work with Singapore to promote the relations to a new height to benefit the two peoples and the region, said Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday.

Hu told visiting Singaporean Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew that Sino-Singaporean relations had further developed since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 17 years ago.

The two countries had increased political trust and economic and trade cooperation, and maintained coordination in the international and regional affairs, he added.

Hu expressed gratitude for the adherence of Singapore to the one-China policy, and its opposition to "Taiwan's Independence" as well as its support to China's reunification cause.

He said China was pursuing what the 17th CPC National Congress had agreed to build a well-off society, and Singapore was taking the strategy of rebuilding Singapore, thus the two countries faced the new opportunity for cooperation.

Lee Kuan Yew said China's development benefited Asia and the world. Singapore would be committed to all-round cooperation with China and would play a positive role in promoting cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN), he added.