Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang met on Sunday with leaders of Slovenia, Laos and Sri Lanka who are in Chengdu to attend the Ninth Western China International Economy and Trade Fair, also known as West China Expo.

Li said he welcomed the three countries' leaders to attend the expo that will open on Monday in Chengdu, capital of southwestern Sichuan Province.

He also thanked the governments and people of the three countries for their aid to China after the May 12 Wenchuan earthquake and their support for the Beijing Olympic Games.

When meeting Slovenian President Danilo Turk, Li said China would continue to promote the opening-up and development of the western area. Slovenia is welcome to make use of its own advantages and expand cooperation with China's vast western area, he added.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Slovenian President Danilo Turk in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, Oct. 26, 2008. Danilo Turk was here to attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Western China International Economy and Trade Fair, scheduled to be held on Oct. 27.

The West China Expo is an important platform for China to enhance international economic and trade cooperation, Li said when talking with Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Lao Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, Oct. 26, 2008. Bouasone Bouphavanh was here to attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Western China International Economy and Trade Fair, scheduled to be held on Oct. 27. [Xinhua Photo]

It is hoped that the expo would promote the trade between China and Laos, Li said.

The premier said he hoped the two sides could deepen the cooperation in such fields as trade, investment and infrastructure when he met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake.

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, Oct. 26, 2008. Ratnasiri Wickremanayake was here to attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Western China International Economy and Trade Fair, scheduled to be held on Oct. 27.[Xinhua Photo]

The three foreign leaders all said they would like to further promote relations with China.

(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2008)