On November 8, 2007, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with visiting Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa at the Great Hall of the People.

Wen spoke highly of China-Slovenia ties, hailing the profound traditional friendship between the two peoples. Since the forging of the diplomatic ties 15 years ago, both sides have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, and continuously advanced bilateral ties, despite great changes in the international situation and the two countries' domestic circumstances, he said. Facts have proven that to consolidate and deepen the friendly cooperative ties is in the fundamental interest of both countries and their peoples, said the premier.

Wen pointed out that bilateral relations enjoy a sound basis and broad prospect for development. He hoped the two countries would maintain high-level contacts, increase exchanges between the governments, legislative organs and parties to consolidate the traditional friendship. He also encouraged mutual investment and called for giving full play to the guiding role of the mixed committee for economic and trade cooperation so as to offer services on legal affairs, policy advice and information for business cooperation. He also urged both sides to expand exchanges on culture, public health and tourism.

Hailing China's positive and constructive role in the international arena, Jansa said Slovenia valued relations with China and deemed it an important cooperative partner. He noted that Slovenia will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and hopes to further strengthen bilateral dialogue and cooperation. Jansa also extended his congratulations on the successful launch of China's lunar probe Chang'e-1.

The Slovenian prime minister said bilateral economic and trade relations have witnessed rapid development and there is huge potential for cooperation in investment, tourism and other areas. He hoped the agreements on business cooperation signed during his trip and the establishment of economic representative office in China would help keep closer bilateral trade exchanges and further the cooperation in the areas of culture, education, science, marine shipping, logistics and environmental protection. Slovenia has decided to participate in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, he added.

Wen said relations between China and the European Union had "entered a new era of all-round development" with more mature political ties and deepening cooperation in all areas. The tenth meeting will be held between the Chinese and the EU leaders at the end of this November in Beijing. Wen said the leaders would exchange views on improving Sino-EU ties, especially on accelerating the process of consultations on China-EU Partnership Cooperation Agreement. "China and the EU should take the relationship from the strategic and long-term perspective and upgrade bilateral cooperation to a new level," he said. From Jan. 1, Slovenia is to take over the six-month EU presidency. Wen hoped Slovenia would contribute to improving Sino-EU relations.

Jansa said EU-China comprehensive cooperation is of strategic significance and Slovenia would make endeavor to promote EU-China cooperation in some major areas during its EU rotating presidency.

Both sides also exchanged views on the international situation and some regional issues.

Following the talks, the two prime ministers attended a signing ceremony of a number of cooperation agreements concerning culture, education, health quarantine and establishment of an entrepreneurs' council.

Prior to the talks, Premier Wen Jiabao hosted a welcoming ceremony for Jansa's visit. Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League Li Chong'an, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Vice Minister of Culture Yu Youjun and Chinese Ambassador to Slovenia Zhi Zhaolin attended the ceremony.