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.
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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)
