Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang formally welcomed Timor Leste's Premier, Jose Alexandre Xanana Gusmao, in the city of Sanya in Hainan province early Wednesday morning.

The visit of Gusmao marks the opening of closer ties between China and Asia's youngest independent nation.

Upon welcoming his counterpart, Li emphasized that Beijing strictly adheres to principles of treating equal all nations small or large, weak or strong and rich or poor.

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Li pledged that China is willing to strengthen and deepen its relations and cooperation with Timor Leste especially in areas like energy, agriculture and personnel exchanges.

China said both countries complement each other in goals of alleviating living conditions for their people and the elimination of poverty.

The Chinese premier said the Beijing is committed to pursue the establishment of a Maritime Silk road to all states in Southeast Asia, an envisioned corridor for international technological and economic cooperation which includes the acceleration of creating free trade zones.

Xanana-Gusmao thanked the People's Republic for its long-term support for Timor Leste's quest for independence and freedom from its current developmental concerns.

The Timor Leste Prime Minister called on China as his country's most important partner in East Asia and pledged to support the Maritime Silk Road concept of China and in linking up Beijing with other Portuguese speaking countries.

The agreements signed by the two countries include cooperation in areas of mutual economic interests and boosting the tourism industry.