By Xinhua
Beijing : Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao left here Sunday morning for an official visit to Singapore and a series of meetings there from Nov. 18 to 22.
The meetings include the 11th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) plus Three (China, Japan and the Republic of Korea) summit, the 11th China-ASEAN summit, and the third east Asian regional summit.
Wen will also attend the eighth annual meeting of leaders of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea during his stay in Singapore.
Wen’s visiting group includes Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister of Finance Xie Xuren, Minister of Construction Wang Guangtao, Director of the State Council Research Office Wei Liqun, Vice Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission Chen Deming, Vice Minister of Commerce Liao Xiaoqi, Director of the Premier’s Office Qiu Xiaoxiong and Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei.
The premier will pay an official visit to Singapore from Nov. 18 to 19 as a guest of his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong, the first visit by a Chinese premier in eight years. Wen will hold talks with Lee and meet with Singaporean President S.R. Nathan, Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
Premier Wen and Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo are also expected to meet at a series of meetings, according to Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei.