Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Myung-bak on Monday afternoon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Hu welcomed Lee on behalf of the Chinese government and people.

"You are the first foreign leader to visit China in 2012," Hu said, adding that this year marks the 20th anniversary of China-ROK diplomatic ties as well as a year of bilateral friendly exchanges.

Hu said he believes Lee's visit will promote bilateral exchange and cooperation and further develop the strategic cooperative partnership.

Lee said this year holds special significance for bilateral relations as it is the the 20th anniversary of ROK-China diplomatic ties.

The two countries have made remarkable progress in cooperation in all fields over the last 20 years, Lee said.

He said his China visit is very important since it is his first to a foreign country this year.

Prior to the talks, President Hu hosted a red-carpet welcoming ceremony for Lee in the Great Hall of the People.

At the invitation of Hu, Lee arrived in Beijing Monday, starting his three-day state visit to China.

During his visit, Lee is also scheduled to meet with top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao. The two sides will exchange views on China-ROK relations as well as global and regional issues of common concern, respectively.

This is Lee's second state visit to China since he took office in February 2008.

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