China, S.Korea agree to enhance co-operative partnership

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-11-2007 08:27

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has met with South Korean counterpart Han Duck-soo for talks in Beijing. Both leaders agreed to enhance their countries' comprehensive co-operative partnership.

Han Duck-soo arrived in Beijing on Monday at the invitation of Premier Wen. It's the Prime Minister's first visit to China since he took office.

During talks, Wen Jiabao said the development of bilateral relations has maintained good momentum since the two countries established diplomatic relations fifteen years ago. The Premier said China is willing to carry out further dialogue at high levels with South Korea.

Wen Jiabao stressed that economic and trade relations are the most important parts in bilateral ties. He hopes the two sides can seriously implement the mid and long term cooperation plans in these regards.

Trade volume between China and South Korea hit one hundred and thirty billion US dollars in 2006, a twenty percent increase from the previous year. China is South Korea's largest trade partner and the country's largest export market. South Korea is China's sixth largest trade partner.

The Premier also expressed hope that a free trade area between the two countries can be fulfilled soon.

On the Korean Peninsula issue, Wen Jiabao said China supports the Republic of Korea and the Democtratic People's Republic of Korea in carrying out more dialogue to improve relations.

Han Duck-soo said South Korea is willing to enhance bilateral relations with China, and will cooperate with China in promoting peace, stability and development in northeast Asia.

The Prime Minister also praised China's chairing of the six party talks, which plays a key role in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Editor:Zhang Ning