Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Sunday that China and Brunei, as two friendly neighbors, should further strengthen their cooperation.

Wen made the remarks when meeting students from the University of Brunei Darussalam in his first official engagement after arriving in Brunei from Bali, Indonesia.

"I am very happy to pay a visit to Brunei, a beautiful resources-rich and friendly country when the two countries are marking their 20th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations," he told the students and teachers of the university.

Bilateral ties, based on mutual respect and equal treatment, had developed smoothly, he said, adding that China and Brunei should further strengthen their ties in such areas as politics, economy and culture.

"I am fully confident of the future development of bilateral ties," he said.

Wen also urged the youth of the two countries to learn from each other, strengthen exchanges and contribute more to the friendship and cooperation of the two nations.

Wen left Bali Sunday morning after attending a series of meetings for East Asian leaders designed to further boost cooperation and integration of the region in all fields.