Chinese President Hu Jintao and his South Korean counterpart Roh Moo Hyun exchanged messages to congratulate the official start of the China-South Korean Year of Exchange at the beginning of 2007.

China and South Korea are geographically close neighbors with complementary economies and the two peoples have enjoyed profound and traditional friendship and share similar cultural origins.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, especially that of a comprehensive partnership of cooperation between the two countries, bilateral relations have been developing smoothly and vigorously, Hu said. He added that bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields are in full swing and have witnessed remarkable achievements, saying that the two countries have maintained consultations and cooperation in international and regional issues.

In his congratulatory message, Hu extended best wishes to the official start of the Year of Exchange in 2007, which is a year-long exchange program celebrating the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

"China is willing to work together with South Korea to strengthen the good neighborly friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote common development, so as to create a bright future for bilateral comprehensive partnership of cooperation," added President Hu.

Roh said in his message that China has become South Korea's biggest trading partner and major investment destination. An estimated 10,000 Koreans visit China every day, giving a big boost to the cultural exchange between the two peoples.

The Year of Exchange is significant for both countries to develop the relationship, Roh said, adding the exchange program provides an important opportunity for them to further expand friendly cooperation. Roh vowed to work together with China to deepen the South Korea-China comprehensive partnership of cooperation and create a future of peace and common prosperity.

(China.org.cn)