Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Tuesday met on separate occasions leaders of the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand in Bali, Indonesia and exchanged views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

When meeting Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Wen expressed his satisfaction with the stable development of bilateral relations, according to a press release from the Chinese delegation.

The Chinese premier said that China and the Philippines should continue to expand economic and trade cooperation, especially in fishing and agriculture.

Arroyo thanked China for its precious assistance in agriculture, fishing and infrastructure, hoping that the two countries' cooperation can expand into more areas.

In the meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Mahathir, Wen said Mahathir has made important contribution to the fast and comprehensive development of exchange and cooperation in all fields between China and Malaysia in recent years.

The two countries should continue to support and coordinate with each other on regional and international affairs to make more efforts in strengthening South-South cooperation, Wen said.

Mahathir said that maintaining a friendly relationship with China is in the interests of the Malaysian people and the Malaysian government will not change the policy.

The Malaysian prime minister stressed that the development of China will not pose any threat, but will be conducive to peace and prosperity of Asia and the world.

While meeting with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Wen said that the strategic cooperative relations between China and Thailand have achieved fruitful results.

The agreement signed by the two countries on removing tariffs on vegetables and fruits have taken effect on Oct. 1. This marks an important progress in establishing China-ASEAN free trade area, the premier said.

The agreement, Thaksin said, will bring benefit to both countries and will be helpful to promoting the economic and trade relations between Thailand and China.

Thaksin also said Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the Thai people are looking forward to the state visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Wen and the three leaders came here to attend a series of meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
 
(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2003)