President Hu Jintao and his South Korean counterpart Roh Moo-hyun sent congratulatory messages on the inauguration of a cultural exchange program in Beijing yesterday.

Hu said the event, "Dynamic Korea," is an important cultural exchange program between China and South Korea.

Since the two countries established diplomatic ties 15 years ago, bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields have developed rapidly, he said.

"We should make concerted and continued efforts to push forward the healthy and stable development of the China-South Korea comprehensive partnership and cooperation," Hu said.

In his message, Roh said the event will become a "valuable platform" for boosting friendly ties between the two nations.

The year 2007, which marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, is the China-South Korea Exchange Year.

"Dynamic Korea," launched after "Experience China in South Korea," another cultural exchange program in Seoul last year, consists of several forums and a photograph exhibition.

(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2007)