Premier Wen Jiabao will set off tomorrow on his official visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK) against a background of friendship and cooperation.

There is every reason for China and the ROK to work together for peace and development not only in Northeast Asia but throughout the world.

Cross-cultural communication and economic exchanges between the two nations go back thousands of years. The two peoples share much in common, especially in their traditional values, ethics and customs. No wonder so many Chinese television viewers cry or laugh as they watch family dramas unfold in South Korea.

China-ROK relations began to advance 15 years ago as the two countries established diplomatic ties. Since then bilateral trade has increased 26 fold, amounting to US$130 billion last year. The ROK has granted China market economy status.

Years ago, we traveled to each other's capital via Tokyo or Hong Kong despite the fact that flight time between Beijing and Seoul is only about two hours. Today, there are 65 scheduled flights between the two countries' major cities. In the past 15 years, people-to-people visits have totaled more than 5 million.

These achievements have resulted from the efforts of both countries to improve ties in all spheres. Both share the belief that cooperation and exchanges will lead to peace and prosperity for all.

Frequent visits and exchanges between top leaders have enhanced mutual understanding and trust. They have enabled China and the ROK to enter into comprehensive partnerships and set concrete goals to further bilateral cooperation in investment, trade, culture, education, science and technology.

The two countries have also increased consultation and collaboration in international affairs, especially the six-party talks to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. Together China and the ROK are seeking ways to meet the challenges of economic globalization.

With a full agenda to continue the momentum of the comprehensive bilateral relationship, Premier Wen's visit will establish a new benchmark in China-ROK relations.

Most appropriately, the visit launches the opening of the Sino-South Korean Year of Friendly Exchanges.

(China Daily April 9, 2007)