China to advance relations with ROK, official

Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Li Changchun on Tuesday pledged to work with the Republic of Korea (ROK) to further advance the existing high-level cooperation between the two nations.

"We attach great importance to the relationship with the ROK," Li, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, told Chang Kwang-keun, secretary-general of the Grand National Party (GNP), the ruling party of the ROK.

Hailing the all-round and rapid growth of China-ROK relations since forging diplomatic ties 17 years ago, Li said the bilateral ties have entered a new phase of development after the strategic cooperative partnership was forged last year.

"We will work with the ROK to enhance strategic communication, strengthen win-win cooperation, expand common interests, and safeguard regional peace and stability," he noted.

Chang is here on a visit from Nov. 2 to 6 at the invitation of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee. During the visit, the CPC and the GNP signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation.

Li told Chang that he hopes the two parties will further enrich exchanges and cooperation to benefit the two peoples.

Chang spoke highly of China's efforts in coping with the international financial crisis and maintaining rapid economic growth, saying that they have brought benefits to not only the Chinese people but also Asia and the world at large.

Chang said his party will work with the CPC to promote comprehensive cooperation between the two parties in a bid to help enhance ROK-China ties.

Source: Xinhua