State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan yesterday pledged to enhance exchange with South Korea during a meeting with former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan.

 

Lee, now a lawmaker of the National Assembly of Uri Party and senior advisor of President Roh Moo-hyun, had just concluded a four-day visit to North Korea.

 

During the meeting, both sides discussed the situation of the Korean Peninsula and other issues of common concern.

 

This year marks the 15th anniversary of China-South Korea diplomatic ties as well as the "Year of China-South Korea Exchange." Tang said he believes bilateral ties face precious opportunity for further development.

 

He called for both sides to enhance strategic consultation, expand win-win cooperation and facilitate China-South Korea all-round cooperative partnership.

 

"China always values its friendly ties with various parties of South Korea, and is ready to maintain and enhance cooperation with Uri Party based on the four principles of party exchange," Tang told Lee.

 

In response, Lee said South Korea attaches great importance to developing comprehensive cooperative ties with China, and will do its best to push forward bilateral exchanges in various fields including party exchange.

 

Lee took office as South Korean prime minister in June 2004 and resigned early last year.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2007)