SEOUL -- Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday urged the youth of both China and South Korea to carry forward the Sino-South Korean relations.

"From the point of bilateral ties, politics is the basis, economy is the link, culture is the bridge, and exchange between the youth is the future," Wen, accompanied by his South Korean counterpart Han Duck-soo, told a group of Chinese and South Korean youth representatives here.

The exchanges between the youth of both countries have lasted many years, and have been the basis of friendship, Wen noted. He hoped that the friendship between the two countries could be passed on by the young generations in the future.

For his part, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said that the future prosperity of both nations relied on the people, especially the young people. He also hoped that the youth of both countries could build on the existing friendship and join efforts to contribute to regional and world peace.

Some 300 youth representatives from China and South Korea took part in the meeting. A Chinese youth delegation is visiting South Korea to take part in some activities during the Sino-South Korea Exchange Year.

Wen arrived here on Tuesday morning for an official visit to South Korea.