Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Minister Song Min-soon on Saturday left Beijing, concluding his first official visit to China since taking office last December.

In a meeting with Song on Friday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Song's visit to China was "very important as our relationship is of strategic significance".

Song's three-day trip coincided with the 15th anniversary of the establishment of China-ROK diplomatic ties.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan also met with Song, discussing the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue among other topics.

Song's visit, together with a flurry of shuttle diplomacy among the parties, marked renewed efforts to restart the six-party talks, involving China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the United States, the ROK, Japan and Russia.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Song held official talks at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in downtown Beijing.

Li and Song conferred on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Song became ROK Foreign Minister in December last year.

(Xinhua News Agency January 27, 2007)