Chinese President Hu Jintao and his South Korean counterpart Roh Moo-hyun on Monday exchanged messages to congratulate the start of the Sino-South Korean Year of Exchange.

In his congratulatory message, Hu extended congratulations 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 relations between the two countries.

Hu said that China and South Korea are geographically close neighbors and that the two peoples have enjoyed profound and traditional friendship.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, especially that of comprehensive partnership of cooperation between the two countries, bilateral relations have been developing smoothly and vigorously, Hu said.

He said bilateral cooperation in various fields have been in full swing and witnessed remarkable achievements.

Hu added that the two countries have maintained consultations and cooperation in international and regional issues.

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

Roh said in his message that China has become South Korea's biggest trading partner and major investment destination.

The Year of Exchange is significant for both countries to develop their relations, 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.

The key events in the Year of Exchange include an opening ceremony in Seoul at the beginning of 2007, a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on Aug. 24, and a closing ceremony in Beijing near the year's end.

Source: Xinhua