Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Prague Thursday for a two-day official visit to the Czech Republic to expedite bilateral cooperation.

"There is a long tradition of friendship between Chinese and Czech peoples, who have been respected each other, treated each other as equal partners and cooperated on mutually beneficial basis since formal relations were established half a century ago," said Wen.

It is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples to further enhance cooperation, he said in a written speech distributed to the press upon his arrival at the airport.

He said he was looking forward to exchange views with Czech leaders over bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern.

"I believe my visit will promote understanding and friendship between the two peoples and strengthen cooperation in various fields."

The premier is expected to meet President Vaclav Klaus, Senate President Premysl Sobltka and President of Chamber of Deputies Lubomir Zaoralek. He will hold talks with Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek on the expansion of bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Wen, who flew in after a two-day official visit to Slovakia, will also witness a signing ceremony for a number of bilateral cooperation agreements.

The Czech Republic is the third leg of Wen's five-nation Eurasia tour, which has taken him to France and Slovakia. He will also visit Portugal and Malaysia.

In Bratislava, Wen met Slovak President Ivan Gashparovic, Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda and National Council Speaker Pavol Hrusovsky.

In a meeting with Hrusovsky, Wen stressed the importance of contacts between the two parliaments, saying they have played an important role in promoting overall bilateral ties.

China's National People's Congress is willing to strengthen exchanges and contacts between corresponding committees and friendship groups of legislators, said Wen.

He said the two parliaments can learn from each other in law enforcement supervision, environment protection legislation and economic legislation.

Hrusovsky said relations with China are important for his country and that the National Council of Slovakia is ready to make efforts for mutual understanding and cooperation between the two peoples.

Source: Xinhua