Premier Wen Jiabao will set off tomorrow on his
official visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) against a background
of friendship and cooperation.
There is every reason for China and the ROK to work together for
peace and development not only in Northeast Asia but throughout the
world.
Cross-cultural communication and economic exchanges between the
two nations go back thousands of years. The two peoples share much
in common, especially in their traditional values, ethics and
customs. No wonder so many Chinese television viewers cry or laugh
as they watch family dramas unfold in South Korea.
China-ROK relations began to advance 15 years ago as the two
countries established diplomatic ties. Since then bilateral trade
has increased 26 fold, amounting to US$130 billion last year. The
ROK has granted China market economy status.
Years ago, we traveled to each other's capital via Tokyo or Hong
Kong despite the fact that flight time between Beijing and Seoul is
only about two hours. Today, there are 65 scheduled flights between
the two countries' major cities. In the past 15 years,
people-to-people visits have totaled more than 5 million.
These achievements have resulted from the efforts of both
countries to improve ties in all spheres. Both share the belief
that cooperation and exchanges will lead to peace and prosperity
for all.
Frequent visits and exchanges between top leaders have enhanced
mutual understanding and trust. They have enabled China and the ROK
to enter into comprehensive partnerships and set concrete goals to
further bilateral cooperation in investment, trade, culture,
education, science and technology.
The two countries have also increased consultation and
collaboration in international affairs, especially the six-party
talks to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. Together China and the
ROK are seeking ways to meet the challenges of economic
globalization.
With a full agenda to continue the momentum of the comprehensive
bilateral relationship, Premier Wen's visit will establish a new
benchmark in China-ROK relations.
Most appropriately, the visit launches the opening of the
Sino-South Korean Year of Friendly Exchanges.
(China Daily April 9, 2007)
