Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun met in Bali, Indonesia on Tuesday over nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula and bilateral relations.

The two leaders met following the fifth summit of China, Japan and South Korea.

Wen told Roh that the announcement of establishing a cooperative partnership by China and South Korea earlier this year has significant importance in further strengthening the Sino-South Korean cooperation, according to a press release from the Chinese delegation.

Wen expressed his satisfaction with the development of relations between China and South Korea.

The Chinese premier indicated that the six-party talks in Beijing are an important step towards a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. However, the issue is very complicated and therefore a final solution takes time, patience and wisdom, he added.

A peaceful settlement to the issue through negotiations is the only right choice and this should not be changed whatever difficulties appear, stressed Wen.

Roh said great achievements were made during his visit to China in July. He noted that the South Korean government and people are grateful to China for its positive contribution to seeking a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

Meanwhile, Roh gave a high appraisal of the constructive role China has played in maintaining peace and development in Asia.

Both Wen and Roh arrived here to attend a series of meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
 
(Xinhua News Agency October 7, 2003)