Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Prague Thursday for a two-day official visit to the Czech Republic aimed at furthering bilateral cooperation.

"There is a long tradition of friendship between Chinese and Czech peoples, who have respected each other, treated each other as equal partners and cooperated on a mutually beneficial basis since formal relations were established half a century ago," said Wen.

It is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples to further enhance cooperation, he said in a written speech distributed to the press upon arrival at the airport.

He said he was looking forward to exchanging views with Czech leaders over bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern.

"I believe my visit will promote understanding and friendship between the two peoples and strengthen cooperation in various fields."

The premier is expected to meet President Vaclav Klaus, Senate President Premysl Sobltka and President of the Chamber of Deputies Lubomir Zaoralek, and hold talks with Prime Minister Jiri Paroubek on the expansion of bilateral cooperation.

Wen, who flew in after a two-day official visit to Slovakia, will also witness a signing ceremony for a number of bilateral cooperation agreements.

The Czech Republic is the third leg of Wen's five-nation Eurasia tour, which has taken him to France and Slovakia. He will also visit Portugal and Malaysia.

In Bratislava, Wen met Slovak President Ivan Gashparovic, Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda and National Council Speaker Pavol Hrusovsky.

(Source: Xinhua)