China welcomes the improvement in Indo-Pak ties and will play an "active" role in promoting peace in South Asia, Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Wednesday.

"China welcomes the constant improvement in Pakistan-India ties," Wen told his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz during their first meeting after the latter became Prime Minister in August.

 "China will play an active role in promoting peace, stability and development in South Asia," said Wen, who is expected to visit India in March.

Beijing endeavours to develop friendly and cooperative ties with all neighbouring countries, including South Asian nations, Wen was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.

Responding to Wen's remarks, Aziz said Pakistan was holding a comprehensive dialogue with India and was willing to settle problems on the basis of equality and peaceful co-existence. Pakistan hopes China will continuously play an active role for the peace in the region, he said.

 "China and Pakistan have established an all-weather, all-around cooperative partnership despite volatile international changes," Wen said.

But while noting  that the two economies were complementary and have "great potential, " Wen noted that terrorism and extremism were directly endangering the security of both China and Pakistan, as well as regional peace and stability.

Aziz arrived in Beijing last night for a five-day official visit. During his stay in Beijing, he will also call on Chinese President Hu Jintao and other leaders.