Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held official talks on Wednesday with his Japanese counterpart Taro Aso on bilateral ties, the global economic downturn and other major issues of common concern.

"China-Japan ties are one of the most important bilateral links for both nations," Wen told Aso at the beginning of the meeting. "Stable, good-neighborly ties meet the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and also help world peace, stability and development."

Wen said China-Japan relations had improved and progressed with joint efforts of both sides, He called on political figures on both sides to maintain their sound development, and further cement strategic mutual-beneficial relations.

It is Aso's third meeting with the Chinese state leaders in a month, following his meetings with President Hu Jintao in London and with Wen Jiabao in Pattaya, Thailand.

Wen held a welcome ceremony for Aso in the Great Hall of the People ahead of the talks.

Aso arrived in Beijing earlier Wednesday for a two-day China tour, his first official visit to China since he took office in September.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday Aso's China trip was highly significant to improve high-level dialogue, strengthen mutual trust and cooperation between the two Asian powers.

Topics high on agenda in Aso's talks with the Chinese leaders include the global downturn, the environment, energy, personnel exchanges, wireless communication, regional security and measures to build "strategic mutually beneficial ties", said Kazuo Kodama, press secretary of the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2009)