Wen said the establishment of the strategic cooperative partnership would help expand bilateral cooperation and promote the long-term stability and prosperity of northeast Asia.

China and South Korea, with fruitful cooperation in economy and trade, still enjoy potential prospects in this area. The two nations should speed up the research and discussion on the establishment of a free trade zone, and make efforts to achieve win-win results, the premier said.

Wen said China welcomed South Korean business to expand investment fields in China, and especially hoped that the South Korean business would increase cooperation in China in the high tech industry and take active part in China's development drive in the western region and China's strategy to revitalize the country's northeast.

China would also encourage domestic companies to develop the market and make investment in South Korea, he noted.

Lee said the assistance offered to the earthquake-hit region indicated South Korean sincerity as a friendly neighbor of China. South Korean side was ready to provide support to China within its capacity.

The president believed the Chinese people would be sure to win the battle against the disaster.

Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, shakes hands with Lee Myung-bak, President of South Korea during a meeting in Beijing, China, on May 28, 2008.