China has chosen and will adhere to the path of peaceful development while continuing to play a constructive role on world arena, visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Riyadh Sunday.

In an address to the Shura, Saudi Arabia's consultative councilwhich advises the king and cabinet, Hu vowed that China will always uphold the banner of peace, development and cooperation, and unswervingly pursue an independent foreign policy of peace.

China will always stick to the path of peaceful development, implement its mutually beneficial and win-win strategy of opening-up, and develop mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation with all other countries on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence and other universally-recognized norms governing international relations, said Hu.

China will continue to play a constructive role on world arena and work together with all other nations around the world to advance the great cause of promoting peace and development of the whole mankind, he said.

The Chinese and Arab peoples, both peace-loving peoples, have carried out various kinds of friendly exchanges throughout history,Hu said, noting that the two peoples have cultivated a profound friendship by supporting each other in their fight for independence and the improvement of their economy and the people'slivelihood.

The Sino-Arab friendship and cooperation have not only benefited the common development of the two sides, but also have contributed greatly to the advancement of human society, said Hu.

He added that under the current situation, China is willing to work with all Arab countries to promote peace and stability in theMiddle East, and make joint efforts with them to build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

Hu arrived here Saturday on his first state visit to Saudi Arabia.