During the 30-minute talks, Qian first conveyed congratulations and nice wishes from Chinese President Jiang Zemin and General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee Hu Jintao to Roh Moo-hyun.

Qian also delivered Jiang Zemin's invitation to Roh to visit China.

Roh Moo-hyun expressed his thanks and asked Qian to convey his greetings to Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, adding "I will visit China as soon as possible, and I desperately want to know the leaders of China to discuss the ways how to promote bilateral ties facing Northeast Asian peace and prosperity."

The Chinese government is satisfied with the China-ROK relations which were established only ten years ago but have achieved great accomplishments in many fields, especially in the economic and trade field, said Qian.

The new leadership of China holds that ROK is an important neighbor of China, he said, adding China "is willing to promote the bilateral cooperative fellowship ties to a higher level."

Roh said the establishment of China-ROK diplomatic ties helped the detente of the situation of the Korean Peninsula.

He added, "I think the development of China's economy will contribute to the growth of South Korean economy."

Qian expressed his admiration for Roh Moo-hyun's pledge that his country would play a more important role in the Northeast Asian area to keep peace and prosperity.

Qian said the Chinese government supports Roh's stance to solve the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) peacefully through dialogue. It will serve South Korean national interests and help maintain peace and stability on the peninsula, said Qian.

South Korea and the DPRK are the owners of the peninsula, all the pending issues between the two countries should be settled through bilateral coordination, underscored Qian.

Roh reiterated that to seek a denuclearized peninsular is the goal of South Korea. The DPRK nuclear issue should be addressed peacefully through dialogue, and the involved parties should strengthen mutual trust and prevent any further deterioration of the situation.

Earlier Tuesday, Qian attended the inauguration ceremony of Roh Moo-hyun as South Korean new president, and also met with Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.

Qian arrived in Seoul on Monday and will return to Beijing Wednesday.

(People?s Daily February 26, 2003)