Qian conveyed greetings from Chinese President Jiang Zemin to his Korean counterpart, speaking highly of Kim's years of efforts to the development of friendship between the two countries.

Kim Dae-jung ended his five-year term as president yesterday while President-elect Roh Moo-hyun prepares to take office today.

China has always attached great importance to relations with the ROK and is willing to further strengthen the already cooperative partnership through joint efforts in the new century, said Qian.

Qian said the Chinese Government appreciated and supported the reconciliation policy adopted by President Kim Dae-jung, which improves the situation in the Korean Peninsula.

Qian reiterated China's insistence on a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and stressed that the issue should be settled peacefully through dialogue. China will continue its efforts to play an active role in seeking a possible political solution.

Meanwhile, Kim Dae-jung said he was satisfied with the progress made in bilateral ties in various areas and believed that incoming President Roh Moo-hyun will continue to promote friendship between the two countries.

Qian arrived here yesterday morning, and will attend Roh Moo-hyun's inauguration as the new president of the ROK today.

(China Daily February 25, 2003)