SEOUL, KOREA — South Korean President, Lee Myung-bak met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday, December 10, the second day of his official state visit to China. The two leaders discussed the future of bilateral relations between the two countries, the current state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula, trilateral cooperation with Japan, and other issues of mutual concern.
Remarking on the rapid progress made in advancing bilateral economic and trade cooperation over the past 20 years, The President expressed his hope that trade ties will only continue to grow stronger. He also praised the resilience of China’s economy as having maintained steady growth amid global economic uncertainty.
In addition, The President Lee mentioned that he looks forward to increased interaction among the industries of the two countries, namely, the seven new strategic industries under development as part of China’s twelfth Five-Year Plan and the 17 “new growth engine” industries designated by the Korean government in early 2009. The President also encouraged expansion of Chinese investment in Korea.
Premier Wen, in turn, expressed China’s commitment to working toward stronger bilateral trade relations.
Stressing the importance of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and the priority of maintaining peace and security in the region, the two leaders agreed to collaborate more closely for the realization of these common goals.
The two leaders also discussed plans for advancing the tripartite partnership among Korea, China, and Japan, and praised the success of last year’s cooperation secretariat, which opened in Seoul, as a significant development in the institutionalization of East Asian cooperation.
At the dinner that followed the summit meeting, The President requested the continued support and interest of the Chinese government with regards to the upcoming Yeosu Expo and the various events that will take place during 2012, the Year of Korea-China Friendship.
Extending his wishes for great success at Yeosu, Premier Wen expressed his own hope that the programs that will be held in both countries throughout 2012 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations will serve to expand the scope of cultural exchange between the two countries.
