China expects to work with the Republic of Korea (ROK) to elevate bilateral relations to a new height when marking the 10th anniversary of the founding of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Chinese top legislator Li Peng said Thursday.
"China is satisfied with the development of relations with ROK," Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said in talks with Lee Man-Sup, speaker of the ROK National Assembly.
Exchanges between legislative bodies have also played a positive role in the rapid development of bilateral relations over the past decade, Li added.
On the situation of the Korean Peninsula, Li said that China is resolutely behind all the efforts of the ROK and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to improve relations, promote reconciliation, cooperation and achieve self-reliant peaceful reunification of the Peninsula in the end.
"China is sincere in promoting long-lasting peace and development of the Peninsula, because its peace, unity and prosperity is in the interest of China, the region and the whole world," Li said.
The ROK National Assembly speaker echoed his Chinese host on the willingness to improve bilateral ties and promote cooperation between the legislative bodies.
He said that the ROK appreciates all the efforts of China in promoting peace and stability in the Peninsula, and expects China will play its positive role in this regard as always.
Lee said that he is glad that Korean entrepreneurs can have the opportunity to participate in China's massive program to develop its western region. He said he expects the two countries to have more economic cooperation within the framework of the World Trade Organization.
(People’s Daily January 11, 2002)
