China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin met with member and former deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Sang Deuk on Monday, and called for joint efforts to boost the bilateral strategic cooperative partnership.

"China is ready to work closely with the ROK to deepen exchanges and cooperation to boost bilateral ties," said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

He discussed with Lee the situation in northeast Asia and briefed him on China's measures to cope with the global economic downturn.

Lee, who is in Beijing to attend events to mark the 17th anniversary of diplomatic ties, believed the strengthening of ROK-China cooperation was of great importance amid the international financial crisis.

He said his country hoped to facilitate the strategic cooperative partnership with China through enhanced cooperation.

China and ROK forged diplomatic ties on Aug. 24, 1992.

(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2009)