Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan called on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong here on Monday.

During their meeting, they reaffirmed the close bilateral ties between Singapore and China and discussed how bilateral cooperation could be further enhanced. Both leaders also exchanged views about the global and regional economy, and the challenges in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.

Wang said that China has always put the development of China-Singapore relationship as a priority. The cooperations between the two countries are both pragmatic and forward-looking. He said that the year 2010 will mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The two sides shall take the anniversary as an opportunity to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level.

Lee congratulated the success of the bilateral meetings co-chaired by Wang and his Singapore counterpart Wong Kan Seng. He said that Singapore and China need to enhance cooperation to face the challenges from the changing environment, and to speed up the recovery of regional and global economy.

Earlier Monday, Wang also called on Singapore Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. During their meeting, Goh and Wang exchanged views on the evolution and strengthening of Singapore-China relations over the years and how the two countries could further broaden bilateral cooperation.

At the invitation of Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Wong KanSeng, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan arrived here on Sunday to start a four-day official visit.

Source: Xinhua