China will firmly support efforts to maintain the stability of the euro and the European economy, Premier Wen Jiabao told German Chancellor Angela Merkel Wednesday, state media said.

In a telephone conversation with Merkel on the European debt crisis, Wen said China had always had confidence in Europe's economy and the stability of the single currency, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The economic and financial stability of Europe is of great importance to the global economic stability and sustained recovery," Wen was quoted as saying.

He said China would help Europe and would also aid the International Monetary Fund and other international financial agencies as they play their key roles.

Merkel briefed Wen on the economic situation in Europe and progress in dealing with the debt crisis, Xinhua said.

Wen leaves Friday for an eight-day trip that will take him to Germany, Iceland, Poland and Sweden.

European leaders have sought contributions from Beijing to the eurozone's bail-out fund.

China in February said a European investigation into imports of Chinese-made specialised steel products would "undermine" efforts to combat the eurozone crisis.