China and South Korea Thursday agreed to further promote bilateral ties during a telephone conversation between Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his South Korean counterpart Song Min-soon.

Under the joint efforts of China and South Korea, the partnership of comprehensive cooperation between the two sides has enjoyed rapid and in-depth development, Yang said.

A special envoy of the Chinese government has visited South Korea recently, and a special envoy of South Korean President-elect Lee Myung-bak is on a visit to China. This exchange of visits will further enhance the communication and understanding between the two countries, Yang said, adding that China is ready to join efforts with South Korea in pushing for long-term, healthy and stable development of their bilateral ties.

Song pledged to make continued efforts for the development of friendly relations with China, and vowed to join hands with China to contribute to the peace and stability in East Asia.

The foreign ministers also exchanged views on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

(Xinhua News Agency January 18, 2008)