Premier Wen Jiabao said Tuesday that China and Pacific island countries should expand economic and trade cooperation to cope with the global downturn.

Wen made the remarks when meeting with parliamentary delegations from four Pacific island countries: Tonga, Micronesia, Fiji and Niue.

"We should also increase our coordination in responding to climate change and other global challenges," Wen said, noting that this would help regional stability and sustainable development.

Wen said China respected the island nations' choice of development path and their efforts to make economic and social progress.

China would continue offering economic and technological assistance to these nations and promote the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals, Wen said.

The parliamentary members praised relations between their countries and China and expressed appreciation for China's assistance. They reiterated their countries' adherence to the one-China policy.

The delegations came to China on an official goodwill visit scheduled for June 14-21 at the invitation of top legislator Wu Bangguo.

(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2009)