KUALA LUMPUR: Premier Wen Jiabao expressed his hope Sunday for building a harmonious and prosperous East Asia through stronger co-operation with other regional countries.

He flew from Portugal to pay an official visit to Malaysia and attend the first East Asia Summit, to be held on Wednesday.

Wen will also attend today's ninth summit between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN Plus China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) Summit.

In a written statement released upon his arrival, Wen said East Asia has become one of the most dynamic regions in the world.

"I am looking forward to an in-depth exchange of ideas with other leaders on advancing East Asian co-operation" at the summit meetings in an attempt to contribute to harmony and prosperity in the region, the premier said.

The first East Asia Summit links China, Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand and ROK with ASEAN's 10 member states. A Kuala Lumpur Declaration to be signed at the East Asia Summit will articulate a collective long-term vision for shaping the region's economy.

Wen said China and Malaysia, as friendly neighbours that share extensive common interests, have engaged in productive co-operation in political, economic, trade, cultural and other areas.

He added that the two countries have maintained sound co-operation in regional and international affairs, and that developing Sino-Malaysian relations serves the interest of the two peoples and promotes peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Wen is expected to meet with Malaysian Supreme Head of State Sultan Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail and talk with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The Chinese premier met separately with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen Sunday evening on bilateral ties and East Asian co-operation.

He said China highly appreciates the two countries' adherence to the one-China policy.

Malaysia is the last leg of Wen's five-nation tour, which has also taken him to France, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Portugal.

Source: China Daily