Visiting Chinese Premiere Wen Jiabao Friday expressed hope for more exchanges and further cooperation between the legislative bodies of China and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Wen made the remarks while meeting with Kim Yyong-o, the speaker of the National Assembly of the ROK.

Wen noted the National People's Congress of China and the National Assembly of the ROK had established a solid mechanism for regular exchanges, adding those exchanges, at various levels and in different forms, are very active between the two legislative bodies.

He also expressed the hope that more exchanges and further cooperation between the two legislative bodies would make a bigger contribution to deepening mutual understanding and friendship and to strengthening the goodwill between the two peoples.

Wen also said the economies of China and the ROK were highly complimentary to each other and that the two sides had enjoyed a steady development in bilateral relations ever since 18 years ago when China and the ROK established diplomatic relations.

The development of bilateral relations had brought substantial benefits to the two peoples, he said, adding the Chinese side was willing to work together with Seoul to further promote bilateral relations in the long run by deepening mutual trust and expanding win-win cooperation.

The Chinese leader also praised the ROK for having achieved positive results while dealing with the global financial crisis.

Kim, on his part, said the National Assembly of the ROK firmly supported the development of the relations of strategic cooperation and partnership between China and the ROK.

He also said the Chinese economy had weathered the global financial crisis well, which, he believed, was very important for the development of bilateral economic and trade relations and for the economic recovery and sustainable development in the region.

The speaker also said he, as a member of the National Assembly of South Korea, could leave office soon, but he would never leave soon when it came to promoting friendship and cooperation between China and the ROK.

He added he and other members of the National Assembly would continue to play a positive role in the further development of bilateral relations.