SEOUL -- Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday met with Park Sam-koo, chairman of Republic of Korea (ROK)-China Friendship Association, focusing on friendly bilateral relations.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) and South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo enter the hall during the opening ceremony of South Korea-China Exchange Year 2007 in Seoul April 10, 2007. [Reuters]

Wen arrived here earlier in the day for an official visit to South Korea.

During the meeting, Wen thanked Park for the contributions that South Korea's friendship organizations have made to enhancing understanding and friendship, and promoting exchanges and cooperation between peoples of the two countries.

Wen said that the friendly relationship between the Chinese and South Korean people is the solid social basis and the strong source of power for the development of bilateral relations.

To further develop the relations requires people's efforts from both countries, as well as the active participation and support of non-governmental organizations, Wen said.

Park said the two countries' relationship and cooperation in various fields have developed rapidly, while bilateral trade and personnel exchanges have also been increased.

He hoped governments of the two countries make greater efforts on expanding trade and cooperation, adding that the South Korean organizations would continue their active efforts toward friendly cooperation between the two countries.

Wen also held a meeting with his South Korean counterpart Han Duck-soo and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun earlier in the day and is also scheduled to meet parliament leaders during his visit to South Korea.

After his stay in South Korea, the Chinese premier will travel to Japan Wednesday on what he described as an "ice-melting journey," after his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe's "ice-breaking journey" to China last October.