On September 6, 2012, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Great Hall of the People.

Wen said that China and Singapore have respected, learnt from and promoted each other, established close ties in political, economic, social and other sectors and conducted fruitful cooperation over the years. Wen said the development of the two countries' relations brought benefit to both people and generated a positive influence in East Asia.

Wen called on the two countries to further enhance strategic communication and respect each other's major concerns. "The two sides should upgrade the construction of Suzhou Industrial Park and Tianjin Eco-city to a higher level, explore effective means of cooperation in investment, finance and the green economy, improve the maritime cooperation mechanism, strengthen coordination on marine protection and anti-piracy, carry out cultural activities in various forms and expand communication between young people and between the media," he said.

Wen said East Asia had maintained stability during the international financial crisis and enjoyed rapid economic growth. He said to strengthen ties between China and ASEAN and deepen their cooperation was of vital importance to promoting mutual benefit and maintaining the good situation. "China hopes Singapore will continue to play its important role in this regard," he added.

Lee said bilateral ties have made considerable progress with unremitting efforts. He said it was in both sides' common interests to promote bilateral relations and that Singapore was willing to further enhance the comprehensive development of relations by deepening mutual understanding. He is also looking forward to exploring new cooperation fields and strengthening the friendship between the people of the two countries. "China's development is beneficial to Asia and the world. Singapore will continue to help promote cooperation between China and ASEAN and work with China to safeguard regional peace, stability and development," he said.

Wen and Lee attended the signing ceremony of bilateral cooperation documents after their meeting.

Prior to the talks, Wen held a welcome ceremony for Lee at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy Liu Xincheng, Jiang Weixin, Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Vice Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhu Zhixin, Gao Hucheng, International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce, and Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Wei Wei attended the ceremony.