Premier Wen Jiabao said in Helsinki, Finland yesterday that the key to security in Northeast Asia is still on the realization of denuclearization in Korean Peninsula. He made the remarks when meeting with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun at the sidelines of the sixth summit of Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

 

The two leaders expressed their willingness to boost the development of bilateral relations.

 

They also exchanged views on the situation in the Korean Peninsula.

 

Wen said China is ready to make joint efforts with North Korea to make contributions for the denuclearization in the peninsula and safeguard security in Northeast Asia.

 

He said in the meeting that the situation in the Korean Peninsula is very "complicated and sensitive", because the area is still not free from the Cold War.

 

The main parties remain hostile and have no confidence with each other. He said tackling the difficulties and disputes in the area calls for patience and wisdom from all sides concerned, while dialogue and consultation must be persisted.

 

Wen said China and South Korea should continue to closely cooperate with each other, urging the six parties concerned to abide by their common statement.

 

He called on the parties concerned to keep cool-minded and self-restraint by showing their flexibility, so as to resume the six parties talks as soon as possible.

 

The six-party talks on the Korean nuclear issue involves China, the US, Russia, Japan, South and North Korea.

 

The talks fell in stalemate when North Korea criticized the US for imposing "financial sanction" against it. Agreeing with Wen, Roh stressed that all parties should try their best to build trust and solve their differences through dialogue, avoid doing anything to heighten the tensions. Roh supports and appreciates China for its positive and significant role on the nuclear issue in the peninsula. He said his country is ready to closely cooperate with China in safeguarding peace and security in Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2006)