China is satisfied with its current relations with Singapore, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Tuesday in talks with visiting Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.  

Wen said that since the two countries established diplomatic relations 13 years ago, China and Singapore have strengthened their political, economic and trade ties.

Meanwhile, he suggested that the two sides should keep up a good momentum of exchanging high-profile visits.

A Chinese high technology incubator, established October in Singapore, indicated that the cooperation on science and technology had entered into a new stage, Wen said.

The Chinese premier said he hopes more Singaporean business people join the economic and social development of the country's western inland region, particularly in science and technology, environmental protection and infrastructure.

Wen also said that Singapore, a key regional trade and financial center, was one important destination of Chinese companies' foreign investment. He said he hopes Singapore could remain a bridge between Chinese companies and the international market.

In addition, Wen expressed his gratitude for Singapore's help in training Chinese personnel.

Wen said that the bilateral cooperation joint committee between China and Singapore is one result of Goh's visit this time, and he believed the new mechanism would further push forward bilateral cooperation in trade, science and technology.

Wen also exchanged views with Goh on China's plan for revitalizing its northeast, the country's heavy industry belt, on regional cooperation and on international issues of common concern.

Goh highly valued China's role in international and regional affairs. He said that the new leadership in China actively conducted friendly cooperation with neighboring countries.

China's willingness to establish a free trade zone with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) showed China's trust in the ASEAN and proved that a more powerful China would not be a threat to the ASEAN, he said.

China could play an important role in revitalizing Asia, he added.

He said his country is willing to expand cooperation with China and construct a comprehensive economic partnership.

After the talks, the two sides signed four memoranda of understanding.

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2003)