Beijing, China — South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has wrapped up his first state visit of the year at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, bringing enhanced bilateral ties back to Korea.
During the three-day state visit marking the 20th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations, President Lee held talks with Hu, Chairman of Standing Committee of National People's Congress Wu Bangguo, and Premier of State Council Wen Jiabao. The main points on the agenda involved the state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula following the death of Kim Jong-il, along with reinforced cooperation in the realms of diplomacy, security, trade, and civic exchanges.
At the summit with President Hu on January 9, the President spoke positively of the remarkable progress made in the Korea-China relationship since raising the level of cooperation to a higher dimension in 2008.
Lee and Hu shared the view that high-level dialogue and consultation through extended inter-governmental diplomatic channels have contributed to enhanced mutual political trust. They agreed to remain committed to further dialogue and advance the bilateral cooperation in a mutually beneficial way on the basis of the existing framework. The two sides have conducted a series of joint studies and research since 2008, involving the government agencies, experts, and academia of the two countries.
Both heads of state also exchanged opinions on regional and international affairs, concurring with strengthening cooperation in seeking common objectives towards peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
During the summit, the Chinese leader praised the South Korean Government’s composed and placid responses over portending changes surrounding the North Korea issue, as seen in The President’s New Year policy address.
“It is in the interest of all parties concerned to safeguard the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula,” said President Hu who supported improvement of inter-Korean relations through dialogue and reconciliation. “The Chinese government is willing to enhance communication and coordination with all relevant parties and make unremitting efforts in this respect.“ In return, The President expressed his hope to resume the six-party nuclear disarmament talks upon establishment of the prerequisites.
As the talk revolved around the latest dispute over the actions of stopping illegal fishing in the Yellow Sea, which resulted in the death of a Korean coast guard, President Hu pledged to reinforce educational and administrative measures. The two leaders also agree to set up a cooperative system to prevent any further unfortunate incidents.
Calling for a bilateral free trade pact, the Chinese side extended its willingness to commence negotiations promptly and Korea responded with its plan to follow the domestic process to further expand the scope of economic cooperation. Both positively evaluated last year’s MOU, signed to increase the bilateral currency swap arrangement to the equivalent of USD 56 billion and 360 billion in Chinese Yuan. The two parties also concurred with further deepening the partnership to address the economic crisis amid growing global challenges.
On January 10, the second day of the visit, the President took part in a business forum co-hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce Industry (KCCI) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and pressed for the enhancement of mutual cooperation among businesses and industries of both nations.
During the keynote, Lee remarked on the phenomenal results of the bilateral relations in all areas over the past two decades, acknowledging the realization of bilateral trade of USD 200 billion, achieved earlier than its targeted date. “I believe that the two countries will reach the trade goal of USD 300 billion by 2015 without difficulty.”
The same day, the South Korean leader had an in-depth exchange of views with Premier Wen Jiabao on how to further the bilateral relationship on major issues of mutual concerns. The two sides agreed that a bilateral free trade agreement would have a considerable impact on momentum of growth, and conversed about the extended tripartite trade pact with Japan. They gave high marks to the institutionalization of trilateral cooperation, referring to the establishment of a cooperative office in Seoul, and also exchanged views on the affairs of the Korean peninsula.
Both President Lee and Premier Wen Jiabao underlined the importance of people-to-people and cultural exchanges in expanding the scope of bilateral collaboration. They called on more active civic contribution in this regard to mark the 20th anniversary of bilateral ties as well as the Year of Korea-China Friendship.
In the joint press statement that followed the exchange, both sides spoke highly of the outcome of the presidential visit in further deepening political mutual trust and beneficial cooperation in a bid to push forward the ROK-China strategic partnership.
