BEIJING - Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday had a meeting with the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, at the Zhongnanhai compound in central Beijing, which is the office complex for both the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State Council.

During the meeting, Wen, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee's Political Bureau, congratulated the Panchen Lama, as well as all Tibetan compatriots, on the forthcoming Tibetan New Year, which falls on February 22.

The premiere heard a report by the Panchen Lama on his life and work since he was enthroned 17 years ago. Wen praised and congratulated the Panchen Lama on his marked progress in Buddhist research and cultural and ethic aspects, noting that the Panchen Lama has behaved in a good style as a Living Buddha of the Tibetan Buddhism.

The year 2011 is the 60th anniversary of the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet, and over the past six decades, Tibet has experienced enormous changes thanks to the leadership of the Party and the government, the assistance by the people of all nationalities, and hard work and continuous efforts made by the people of Tibet from different ethnic groups, Wen said.

Talking to the Panchen Lama, the premier pledged that in the future the regional ethnic autonomy will continue, while greater efforts will be made to improve the lives of Tibetan compatriots, protect the environment and the region's cultural traditions, as well as the religious freedom of the Tibetan people.

Wen asked the Panchen Lama to further deepen his research of academic works on Buddhist doctrines in an effort to ascertain positive thoughts from Tibetan Buddhist doctrines, so as to lead the Buddhists lamas and followers in loving the country, abiding by laws and abiding by Buddhism commandments.

He also called on the Panchen Lama to play an even greater and more positive role in safeguarding the national unification and unity of all ethnic groups.

Present at the meeting was Du Qinglin, a vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and director of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee.