BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Friday expressed his hope that China and Vanuatu will further increase exchanges and dialogue between their governments, parliaments and parties.

　　During talks with visiting Vanuatuan Prime Minister Nipake Edward Natapei, Wen called for more efforts to expand the economic and trade relations between the two countries and their mutually beneficial cooperation.

　　Wen also expected the two sides to strengthen consultations and cooperation within regional organizations of the South Pacific andcontribute to stability and development of the region.

　　Wen said that China and Vanuatu have maintained sound cooperation in the fields of economy and trade as well as regional affairs, despite their geographic remoteness. It serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples that they further develop the bilateral relations, he said.

　　Wen noted that the Chinese people had supported the decolonization campaign by the people of Vanuatu in the pre-independence era and China has offered sincere assistance to Vanuatu since the two countries forged diplomatic ties.

　　Wen also expressed appreciation for the adherence by the government of Vanuatu to the One China policy.

　　China attaches importance to its relations with the countries in the South Pacific region, Wen said, adding that China supports their efforts to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity, to promote economic and regional cooperation, to support the establishment of a nuclear-free zone in the South Pacific region and to protect the region's resources.

　　Natapei said that Vanuatu values its friendship with China, noting that the bilateral relations have seen solid development inrecent years.

　　Noting that the relations with China have brought concrete benefits to the people of Vanuatu, Natapei expressed his gratitude for China's assistance.

　　He reaffirmed that the government of Vanuatu and the Vanuaaku Party will continue to adhere to the One China policy and continue to strengthen relations with China in various fields.

　　Natapei also congratulated China on its successful control of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in a short period of time. Enditem