Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with Nong Duc Manh, general-secretary of the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Communist Party,?in Hanoi?on Saturday morning to exchange views on bilateral ties and issues of common concern.

During the meeting, Wen, who arrived here Thursday to attend a series of summits between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its partners, hailed Vietnam's efforts in organizing the ASEAN-related summits.

The Chinese premier said Vietnam has done tremendous work for the meetings and shouldered great responsibility.

He expressed his congratulations and gratitude for the party and government of Vietnam, saying the meetings were successful.

Manh, for his part, said he was very delighted to meet with Premier Wen, adding that Wen's participation in the meetings here showed that China attaches great importance to Vietnam, the current holder of the ASEAN presidency.

Wen's visit also manifested the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Vietnam as well as the friendship between the peoples and parties of the two countries, he said.

Manh added that Wen played a key role in the successful convening of the 13th China-ASEAN summit.

On Saturday, the fifth East Asia Summit also opened in Hanoi, where leaders of ASEAN's ten members and six dialogue partners gathered to discuss strategic issues of relevance to the region.