South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun said Monday that his country will continue to push forward bilateral ties with China and make positive efforts to maintain regional peace and stability.

 

In a meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan, Roh said the bilateral relations between the two nations sees a smooth development as South Korea attaches importance to the friendly cooperation with China.

 

He highly commended China's role in resolving the nuclear issues on the Korean Peninsula as well as other international issues.

 

Cao, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of China and a state councilor, expressed regards of President Hu Jintao to Roh during the meeting.

 

He said the two countries have seen frequent exchange of high-level visits; a fast-growing economic cooperation; increasingly active exchanges in culture, education, science and technology since the diplomatic relations were established 13 years ago.

 

The military cooperation between the two neighbors is also developing steadily, he added.

 

Cao said China is willing to join efforts with South Korea to develop long-term and stable bilateral ties.

 

He reiterated China's sustained stance on issues concerning the Korean Peninsula and said China will continue to cooperate with parties concerned to maintain regional peace and stability and promote a common development.

 

Cao arrived in South Korea on last Saturday for a five-day official friendship visit. South Korea is the last leg of his five-nation Asian tour, which also includes North Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 18, 2006)