Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Tuesday that the Republic of Korea (ROK) will continue to be one of China's key trade partners as they are economically complementary and have great trade potential.

Wen made the remarks while meeting visiting ROK President Roh Moo-hyun and other ROK guests.

The government of China was willing to work with the ROK to implement the guidelines set out Monday by Roh and Chinese President Hu Jintao on building a comprehensive cooperative partnership and raising bilateral trade volume to US$100 billion in five years, Wen said.

Wen said China welcomed ROK businesses to explore opportunities in China's vast western areas and both sides should cooperate in the fields of high-technology, resource development and environmental protection.

Roh said he was glad to see ever closer relations in economic and trade development between the ROK and China, and his government was committed to promoting mutually beneficial cooperation for the common development and prosperity of northeast Asia.

Wen said Roh Moo-hyun's visit to China was a big success.

The meeting between ROK President Roh Moo-hyun and Chinese President Hu Jintao resulted in the establishment of a cooperative partnership between China and the ROK, which indicated that Sino-ROK ties had developed to a new stage, Wen said.

Roh said he had successful talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, and met with Chairman Wu Bangguo of the National People's Congress Standing Committee and Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong, noting that he was very satisfied with the positive results achieved through the talks and meetings.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2003)