South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun met in Seoul with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on bilateral ties and the DPRK nuclear issue Thursday afternoon.

During the 50-minute meeting, Li said he came to fulfill the common understanding reached by Chinese President Hu Jintao and Roh of promoting bilateral ties to an all-around cooperation friendship ties.

"Your last month visit to China boosted cooperation by the two countries in every field," Li said to Roh Moo-hyun.

Roh Moo-hyun made four-day state visit to Beijing and Shanghai in July.

Li also thanked South Korea for its understanding and support to China's fight against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Roh agreed with Li's remarks on Sino-South Korean relations, saying "Seoul thinks much of ties with China."

"Through my recent visit to China, I felt the amity and sincerity Chinese people hold toward South Korean people. I will try hard to develop the comprehensive cooperation friendship relations with China."

He also congratulated on the success of China's fight against SARS, saying "China showed unity, dauntlessness and responsibility to the world during the fighting against the SARS."

Li arrived here on Wednesday and will return to Beijing on Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2003)