On the morning of September 6, 2007, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis, who came to attend the summer meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in China's northeastern port city of Dalian.

Wen appreciated the Latvian government for attaching importance to ties with China. Regarding Latvia as an important partner in the Baltic Sea region, Wen said China is willing to explore new areas and approach to expand economic collaboration, especially in the areas of port construction and marine transportation. Wen said China is to provide sound environment for the entrance of the Latvian products into the country, to enhance the scale and level of bilateral economic and trade cooperation. He also called for more people-to-people exchanges to build mutual understanding and exchanges between the two peoples.

Wen said both Europe and Asia are enjoying prime development, adding that their high complementarity and broad common interest help create favorable conditions for the cooperation. He urged both sides to make full use of Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) and other mechanisms to deepen strategic dialogue and cooperation for mutual benefits. Wen expressed hope that with the joint efforts of all members, the seventh summit of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM), which is to be held in China next year, will help promote the new partnerships between the two continents.

Kalvitis praised China for its diplomatic policy that equally treats different countries, and stressed the great importance of China's participation in global issues. He said strengthening friendly cooperation with China is of great significance to Latvia, adding that his country is expected to expand collaboration with China in economy, trade, investment, financial services and tourism. He said Latvia also hopes to tap its geographical advantages in building a "marine silk road" between China and the Baltic Sea.

Kalvitis said Latvia is ready to make contributions to the success of the ASEM summit.

Kalvitis arrived in Dalian on the evening of September 5. The summer meeting, namely, the Inaugural Annual Meeting of the New Champions, is held from Sept. 6 to 8 in the city.