Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday sent a message to Chairman of the 12th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Pakistani Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, congratulating him on the convocation of the summit meeting.

"Since its founding, SAARC has played an active role in enhancing the economic development, social progress and cultural exchange in South Asia thanks to the common efforts of its member states," Wen said.

"Today, leaders of SAARC member states meet to discuss major issues of further stepping up South Asia regional cooperation and moving towards common prosperity. I am sure that this summit will exert a positive influence upon the regional development and cooperation in this part of the world," the Chinese premier said in the message.

He said that China and South Asian countries enjoy long-standing friendly relations and cooperation.

"The Chinese government is ready to work together with the governments of all South Asian countries to promote the cause of peace and development in the region," Wen said.

The SAARC summit opened in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, earlier on Sunday.

(Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2004)