RIYADH - Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday called for an end to violence against civilians in West Asia and North Africa.

The Chinese leader made the remarks during a meeting with Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu in the Saudi capital.

Wen said China and the OIC shared common interests in safeguarding peace and stability in West Asia and North Africa, adding the OIC and the Arab League could play an important role in this regard.

He also said China supported the popular appeals for reform in the countries concerned, and China hoped and believed the governments and peoples in these regions had the ability to solve their own problems.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meets with Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu in the Saudi capital on Jan 15, 2012.  [Photo/Xinhua]

The Chinese premier said the friendship between China and the Arab world had a long history and had made major contributions to human civilization.

Under current complex international situation, Wen said, mutual understanding and respect, as well as friendly and mutually benefited cooperation between China and the Islamic countries had become a good example for "South-South" cooperation and dialogue among different civilizations.

He said China was willing to enhance mutual political trust and strengthen coordination with the OIC on major international issues, so as to further promote friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and the Islamic countries.

Ihsanoglu also said the OIC advocated the solution of economic and social problems via reform, dialogue and coordination.

The OIC was against the use of force and was willing to play a positive role in safeguarding peace and stability in the region and the world, he said.

The two sides understood and supported each other, he said, adding there were neither historical grievances nor realistic problems between China and the Islamic countries.

He also said the OIC attached strategic importance to communication and coordination with China, and was willing to promote and strengthen the friendly cooperation between the Islamic countries and China.

Wen arrived in Saudi Arabia Saturday evening after a short official visit to Nepal on the same day.