China said Tuesday that strengthening the comprehensive and cooperative partnership with South Korea conformed to the fundamental interest of the two peoples, and was conducive to regional and world peace, stability and prosperity.

President Hu Jintao made the remarks during a meeting with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

Hu said China would like to work with South Korea to maintain the good momentum in the bilateral relations and promote a comprehensive and cooperative partnership.

Hu said Sino-South Korean relations had developed rapidly and cooperation in all fields strengthened since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 15 years ago.

He praised the activities between the two countries to celebrate the 15th anniversary of bilateral ties.

Han said the comprehensive and cooperative partnership between South Korea and China had developed in an all-round way.

He praised China for its effort to push forward the six-party talks process, saying that his country would work with China to ensure peace and prosperity in northeast Asia.

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), also met with Han.

Wu said parliamentary exchanges were the important component in the bilateral ties, and currently the regular exchange mechanism at the deputy speaker level had been working well.

The exchanges between the legislative organs had enriched Sino-South Korean relations and consolidated the social foundation for the cooperation, he added.

He said the NPC would like to work with the South Korean parliament to strengthen exchanges to push forward relations between the two countries.

Han echoed the sentiment that South Korea would enhance parliamentary exchanges with China.

(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2007)