Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday called for enhancing regional cooperation between China and South Korea to maintain peace and stability and promote development in Northeast Asia.

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"Currently, there are still some factors of instability in Northeast Asia... regional cooperation should be strengthened," Wen said at luncheon with entrepreneurs from both countries.

 

Under the principles of mutual understanding and trust, all countries in the region should take a fair and just approach to solving issues left over by history and to handling disputes and issues that concern each other, he said.

 

They should also push the process of regional cooperation and establish a harmonious order in Northeast Asia, the premier said.

 

Wen arrived in Seoul on Tuesday morning for his first visit as premier to South Korea. He held talks with his South Korean counterpart, Han Duck-soo, and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyunon Tuesday, and attended the opening ceremony of the China-South Korea Exchange Year.

 

He will leave for Japan on Wednesday and is scheduled to conclude his two-nation tour on Friday.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2007)