President Lee Myung-bak has met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to discuss issues of mutual interest including bilateral relations, the state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula, and cooperation amongst South Korea, China and Japan.

In the meeting on Tuesday, Lee said China is witnessing stable economic growth amid the global economic crisis and uncertainties. The president went on to say he hopes South Korea and China will further enhance cooperation in trade, which has shown rapid growth in the past 20 years.

Wen agreed on the importance of economic cooperation between the two nations, and suggested the two continue to work together in strengthening cooperation.

Lee and Wen also agreed that peace and stability and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula are of the utmost importance and that the both countries will closely cooperate to that end.

During an official dinner after the meeting, President Lee called for the Chinese government’s attention and support to facilitate Chinese tourists to visit the Yeosu Expo in May.

The two nations are celebrating the 20th anniversary of establishing bilateral diplomatic relations this year and have proclaimed 2012 a year of friendship.