BEIJING - Premier Wen Jiabao told German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday that China will firmly support efforts to maintain the stability of both the euro and the European economy.

During a telephone conversation, the two leaders exchanged views concerning solutions to the euro debt crisis.

Wen said he was happy to see efforts and progress made to settle the euro debt crisis by the European Union (EU), related EU members and the international community.

That fact proves that Europe's own efforts are important towards solving the debt problem, Wen added.

The premier said China has always had confidence in Europe's economy and the stability of the region's single currency. Wen said that as long as the EU could stay united and implement proper policies, it will prevail over the crisis and return to the path of steady recovery.

Currently, the international financial crisis is not over. The economic and financial stability of Europe is of great importance to the global economic stability and sustained recovery, Wen said.

He also said China will not only help Europe do what it is supposed to do, it will also aid the International Monetary Fund and other major international financial agencies as they play their key parts.

Merkel briefed on the economic situation in Europe and the latest progress in dealing with the European debt crisis.