Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here on Tuesday for an official visit to South Korea, the first by a Chinese premier in seven years.

In a written statement issued upon his arrival, the Chinese premier said that his visit to South Korea is aimed at enhancing the strategic communication, reciprocal cooperation, and common interest.

He stressed that strengthening the overall and cooperative partnership with South Korea would be China's consistent guideline.

Wen voiced his hope that his visit would push forward the relationship between China and South Korea.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-South Korea diplomatic ties and the Exchange Year of the two countries.

Over the past 15 years, he said, the two countries have promoted cooperation and exchanges, which have benefited the two peoples and played an important role in regional peace and development.

Wen is scheduled to hold talks with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, and leaders of parliament and political parties. Wen will attend the opening ceremony of the China-South Korea Exchange Year.

After his stay in South Korea, Wen will travel on to Japan on what he described as an "ice-melting journey," after his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe's "ice-breaking journey" to China last October.

Source: Xinhua