Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan (L) meets with Singapore's President S. R. Nathan in Singapore, Aug. 25, 2009.(Xinhua/Zhang Yongxing)

    During their meeting, Wang said that Singapore is a key cooperation partner to China. Bilateral trade reached 52.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2008, up 10.5 percent over the previous year. The China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which came into force on Jan.1 this year, is another milestone for bilateral economic ties.

    Wang said that China is willing to join hands with Singapore in overcoming the economic crisis and combating protectionism.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan (L front) meets with Singapore's President S. R. Nathan (R front) in Singapore, Aug. 25, 2009. (Xinhua/Zhang Yongxing)

    Nathan said that the two countries have maintained frequent high-level visits and made fruitful achievements in various areas, adding that the cooperation with China has also brought great benefits to Singapore.

    He said that both countries should enhance mutual beneficiary cooperation and increase communication in important international issues.

    At the invitation of Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Wong KanSeng, Wang arrived here on Sunday for a four-day official visit.