Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Hanoi Wednesday to start an official visit to Vietnam. He will attend the 5th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit in Hanoi on Friday and Saturday.

    During the visit, his first to the  country since he assumed the office as premier, Wen will hold talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, and meet General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nong Duc Manh, Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong, and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Van An. The two sides are expected to issue a joint communique and sign several cooperation agreements.

    At the 5th ASEM summit, which officially starts on Friday with the addition of 13 new members, Wen will expound China's views on political dialogue, economic and financial cooperation, and dialogue involving culture and civilizations.

    After enlargement, ASEM will comprise 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, 25 members of the European Union, and China, South Korea, and Japan.