Chinese President Hu Jintao and President of Republic of Korea (ROK) Roh Moo-hyun Thursday afternoon exchanged views via phone conversation on the nuclear issue of the Korean peninsula and the six-party talks to be held in Beijing next week.

Hu said the six-party talks represents an important step towards a peaceful solution to the Korean nuclear issue.

He said that all relevant parties should avail themselves of this opportunity to exchange views and reach more consensus so as to keep the dialogue for the peaceful solution going on.

Roh expressed appreciation of and gratitude for China's unremitting efforts to make the six-party talks possible.

After consultation, it is decided by China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the United States, ROK, Russia and Japan to hold the six-party talks in Beijing from Aug. 27 to 29.

Referring to the bilateral ties, Roh expressed his gratitude for the hospitality he received during his recent China tour. The two sides reached an important consensus during his visit and the ROK side was satisfied with the growth of bilateral ties, he said.

Hu said he and Roh agreed to form the comprehensive and cooperative partnership between the two countries during Roh's visit. He was pleased that all relevant issues agreed by both were being implemented.

(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2003)