Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao began his meeting with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun Tuesday afternoon in Seoul.

The two leaders are expected to focus their talks on a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, the current situation in northeast Asia, regional cooperation and international issues of common concern.

Wen, who arrived here earlier in the day, said in a written statement issued upon his arrival that his visit to South Korea is aimed at enhancing the strategic communication, reciprocal cooperation, and common interest.

He stressed that strengthening the overall and cooperative partnership with South Korea would be China's consistent guideline. He expressed hope that his visit would push forward the relationship between the two countries.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-South Korea diplomatic ties and the Exchange Year of the two countries.

Over the past 15 years, he said, the two countries have promoted cooperation and exchanges, which have benefited the two peoples and played an important role in regional peace and development.

Wen had held a meeting with his South Korean counterpart Han Duck-soo and is scheduled to meet parliament leaders during his visit to South Korea, the first visit by a Chinese premier in seven years.

After his stay in South Korea, the Chinese premier will travel to Japan Wednesday on what he described as an "ice-melting journey," after his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe's "ice-breaking journey" to China last October.