Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Phnom Penh on Sunday afternoon to attend a series of meetings for East Asian leaders and pay an official visit to Cambodia.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R, front) is greeted after arriving in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, Nov 18, 2012, to attend a series of meetings among East Asian leaders held here from Nov 18 to 21. [Photo: Xinhua]

On the way to Phnom Penh, Wen told reporters it's the only right choice and common wish for East Asian nations to make a concerted effort to overcome the current difficulties as the recovery of the world economy slows and East Asia is faced with increasing pressure.

Wen said China's growth is expected to go on with better quality for a quite long period, continuing to be an important engine for regional and world growth.

Noting the achievements in cooperation and challenges for East Asia, Wen said he will stress unity, cooperation and development as he attends the meetings.

The Chinese premier said he will put forward a series of new proposals during the meeting and try to enhance mutual trust and seek more common ground with all of the other sides to advance cooperation in East Asia in a stable, healthy and sustained way.

The meetings will include the 15th summit between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as the 15th summit between ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea and the seventh East Asia Summit.

Hailing the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia, Wen said he hopes his visit will further strengthen the friendship, deepen reciprocal cooperation, and boost the communication and coordination between the two sides in regional affairs so as to boost the partnership between the two countries and better benefit their peoples.