China and South Korea should further strengthen strategic communication and coordination, and contribute to regional peace and stability, said State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan.

 

Meeting with Kim Young-won, head of a South Korea-Japan cultural exchange meeting and Park Sam-koo, chairman of South Korea-China Friendship Association in Beijing Monday, Tang said the current international situation is complicated, and the two countries should deepen exchanges and cooperation.

 

2007 marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of China-South Korea diplomatic ties and the China-South Korea Year of Exchange.

 

Tang said he hopes the two countries can take the opportunity to promote bilateral relationship in various fields, enhance friendship and create a brighter future.

 

Tang also called for China, South Korea and Japan -- three major countries in East Asia -- to work together for regional peace, stability and prosperity.

 

He said the improvement and development of Sino-Japanese relations and South Korea-Japanese relations, as well as the growing cooperation among the three countries, will benefit the whole region and foster peace, stability and prosperity.

 

Tang said China is willing to work with South Korea and Japan to promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

 

The South Korean guests said common interests between the two countries had increased since the establishment of diplomatic relations 15 years ago. South Korea is willing to further promote bilateral cultural and economic exchanges and cooperation, and continue to strengthen cooperation among South Korea, China and Japan.

 

The South Korean delegation was invited by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries to attend the second China-South Korea-Japan cultural forum.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2006)