BISHKEK, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- The friendly and cooperative ties between China and Iran have seen continuous growth thanks to the efforts made by both sides, Chinese President Hu Jintao said here Wednesday.

Through various forms of communication and contacts, the two countries have enhanced mutual understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation, Hu said while meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The two sides have achieved progress in economic and trade cooperation along with increasing exchanges in the humanities, Hu said.

On the basis of equality, mutual respect and benefit, China is ready to strengthen friendly cooperation with Iran in all fields and at various levels so as to enrich the contents of bilateral cooperation and push the bilateral ties forward, Hu said.

Ahmadinejad, who was here to attend the annual summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an observer, said the Iranian-Chinese relations are built on the basis of mutual respect, and both peoples have deep affections toward each other.

Iran is dedicated to developing long-term friendly and cooperative ties with China, he said.

Iran hopes to enhance contacts with China, make long-term planning for bilateral cooperation, actively carry out cooperation in trade, energy, electricity, culture, sports, science and technology and strengthen communication and consultation in global and regional affairs, he said.

The SCO is a regional organization founded in June of 2001 by China, Russia and central Asia's Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Mongolia, Iran, Pakistan and India were granted the status of observers by SCO members.