The two heads of state exchanged views on bilateral relations, China's campaign against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Making positive remarks for the growth of ROK-China ties, Roh said that the ROK side is ready to make concerted efforts with the Chinese side for further enhancing bilateral cooperation, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

Roh expressed his heartfelt admiration for the courage and determination of the Chinese government and people in their fight against SARS and his appreciation of China's efforts to host the recent Beijing talks on the DPRK nuclear issue.

Hu said that China and ROK are friendly neighbors and had developed an all-round cooperative partnership. The new Chinese leadership attaches high importance to Sino-ROK relations and is willing to push forward the bilateral ties in the new century, the Chinese president said.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to SARS prevention and puts the health and life safety of the Chinese people on top agenda, he said. The Chinese government has already adopted a series of measures to treat SARS patients and curb the spread of the disease, he told Roh.

Relying on science and technology, the people's might and the support of the international community, the Chinese government and people are confident of eventually overcoming the catastrophe, Hu said.

During the talks, Hu reiterated China's stance on the DPRK nuclear issue and stressed that it remains China's starting point in handling the peninsula issue to maintain the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

It is the most important to gear the DPRK nuclear issue into the track of peaceful settlement through dialogue, he said.

The Chinese side appreciates ROK's consistent stand of adhering to dialogue and opposing the use of force, he said, adding that China welcomes ROK's active role for promoting the peaceful solution to the issue.

Roh expressed full agreement with China's stance. He said he expected to visit China in the near future for further exchange of views with the Chinese leaders on issues of mutual interests.

(Xinhua News Agency May 2, 2003)