Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Thursday that there were no territorial issues between China and South Korea.

 

Wen, who gave a joint interview to 19 South Korean news agencies Thursday afternoon ahead of his upcoming South Korea tour, was replying to a question concerning the ancient Koguryo kingdom.

 

The Koguryo Kingdom (BC 37- 668 AD), believed to be the longest regime in history founded by an ethnic minority in northeast China, played a key role in the development of Northeast Asia.

 

Though destroyed over 1,300 years ago, the ruins of the kingdom-- the capital city, fortifications, royal tombs and steles – are still in good condition in Ji'an city, Jilin Province and in neighboring Huanren county of Liaoning Province.

 

China and South Korea have enjoyed a shared history and cultural and economic exchanges for thousands of years, said Wen.

 

"There are no territorial issues between the two countries, which serves an important political foundation for bilateral relations," the premier added.

 

He called on both sides to properly handle issues relating to the Koguryo Kingdom. While doing research on ethnic movements and territorial changes, the two sides should stick to the principle of separating research from politics and reality from history, and avoid any negative impact on bilateral relations.

 

Wen is scheduled to visit South Korea from April 10-11.

 

This year marks the 15th anniversary of China-South Korea diplomatic ties and the China-South Korea Exchange Year.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2007)