Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his Republic of Korea (ROK) counterpart Choi Sung-hong exchanged views on enhancing bilateral ties and reached common understandings on a series of issues at a meeting in Seoul Friday afternoon.
Tang noted that the ROK has taken an important position in China's foreign policy, and that the Chinese government highly valued the Sino-ROK relations.
Tang stressed that China's policy toward the ROK is to enhance mutual trust politically and mutual benefit economically, and to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
"Ten years ago, the leaders of the two countries showed great foresight on the decision of establishing the China-ROK diplomatic ties. And the development of bilateral ties has since benefited the two countries and the two peoples," he said.
"The establishment of the diplomatic ties has served the common interests of the two countries and the two peoples," Tang noted.
Tang stressed the Chinese government will continue its good-neighborly relations of friendship toward the ROK, so as to promote the bilateral cooperative partnership in all respects.
Choi also noted that the overall cooperative partnership of the two countries has largely developed on the basis of mutual understanding and mutual respect since the diplomatic ties were established.
"The two sides have devoted much to the prosperity of the Asian region, and the ROK will continue to make efforts to push forward the bilateral ties," said Choi.
The two sides have achieved common understandings on a host of issues.
The two countries will launch diversified activities to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the China-ROK diplomatic ties, so as to further enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.
The two countries have agreed to upgrade the ROK consular affairs office in Shenyang, northern China, to a consulate general in order to expand exchanges in trade, culture and tourism.
The two countries should make efforts to maintain an overall amicable situation and properly handle problems related to both sides in the spirits of mutual respect, mutual understanding and accommodation, as well as sufficient negotiation.
The media of the two countries should play an important role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
Tang arrived in the ROK Friday afternoon for a two-day visit.
(People's Daily August 4, 2002)
