NANNING - Premier Wen Jiabao met with the leaders from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member nations in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, who will attend the 8th China-ASEAN Expo scheduled to open Friday morning.

In meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Kittirat Naranong and Vice President of Myanmar U Tin Aung Myint Oo, Wen separately discussed with them China's bilateral relations with their countries, and some issues of common concern.

With regard to the deadly attack that killed at least 12 Chinese sailors on the Mekong River earlier this month, Wen said China hoped governments of relevant countries would properly handle the aftermath of the case, speed up investigations, take joint actions, strengthen law enforcement along the river, and protect the peoples' lives and property.

In the meeting with U Tin Aung Myint Oo concerning the cooperation programs, Wen that it is in the common interests of China and Myanmar to ably carry out programs.

He urged the two sides to seriously implement the consensus reached by the two countries' state leaders, fulfill the commitment with concrete actions, strengthen communication and coordination, and properly resolve problems, so as to maintain a sound and smooth development of China-Myanmar trade and economic cooperation.

U Tin Aung Myint Oo echoed Wen saying Myanmar attaches great importance to its comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation with China. It will keep close communication with the Chinese side, seek actively a solution to the problems and maintain the two sides' common interests, he said.

Premier Wen still spoke highly of China's relations with the five ASEAN countries. He vowed that China would work with the countries to implement all consensuses reached and promote new development in its ties with them. The leaders echoed Wen saying they will join hands with China to further enhance their friendship and reciprocal cooperation.

As for the upcoming East Asia series of summits to be held in Bali Island of Indonesia in November, Wen spoke positively of the leading role of ASEAN in East Asian cooperation, and the fruitful cooperation between China and ASEAN (10+1), and cooperation among ASEAN and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (10+3).

"The 10+1 and 10+3 cooperation are foundation and principle part of the East Asian cooperation, which achieved fruitful results," he said.

Wen called on the series of summits to continue to focus on development, cooperation and reciprocity, to maintain ASEAN's leading role, to further consolidate 10+1 and 10+3 cooperation, and to promote a sound development of East Asian cooperation.

The premier reaffirmed China's steady adherence to a good-neighborly policy with neighboring countries, and pledged to work with relevant countries to appropriately handle marine disputes and endeavor for the regional peace and stability.

In meetings with Hun Sen and Kittirat Na-Ranong, Wen also expressed deep condolences to them for the heavy flood the two countries suffered recently. The two leaders thanked China for its assistance and materials.

Leaders of the five countries also vowed to further consolidate the 10+1 and 10+3 mechanism, and to strengthen their exchanges and cooperation with China in economy, culture and education.

They also pledged to keep close communication and cooperation with China to ensure the East Asian series summit a success, and to maintain common interests, promote regional peace, stability and prosperity.

On Friday morning, Wen and leaders from ASEAN member countries will also attend the opening ceremony of the 8th China-ASEAN Expo slated for October 21 - 26, and the 8th China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.