Chinese President Hu Jintao and his South Korean counterpart Roh
Moo-hyun on Monday exchanged messages to congratulate the start of
the Sino-South Korean Year of Exchange.
In his congratulatory message, Hu extended congratulations to
the official start of the Year of Exchange in 2007, which is a
year-long exchange program celebrating the 15th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations between the two
countries.
Hu said that China and South Korea are geographically close
neighbors and that the two peoples have enjoyed profound and
traditional friendship.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, especially that
of comprehensive partnership of cooperation between the two
countries, bilateral relations have been developing smoothly and
vigorously, Hu said.
He said bilateral cooperation in various fields have been in
full swing and witnessed remarkable achievements.
Hu added that the two countries have maintained consultations
and cooperation in international and regional issues.
"China is willing to work together with South Korea to
strengthen good-neighborly friendship, expand mutually beneficial
cooperation and promote common development, and create a bright
future for bilateral comprehensive partnership of cooperation,"
said the president.
Roh said in his message that China has become South Korea's
biggest trading partner and major investment destination.
The Year of Exchange is significant for both countries to
develop their relations, Roh said, adding the exchange program
provides an important opportunity for them to further expand
friendly cooperation.
Roh vowed to work together with China to deepen the South
Korea-China comprehensive partnership of cooperation and create a
future of peace and common prosperity.
The key events in the Year of Exchange include an opening
ceremony in Seoul at the beginning of 2007, a celebration of the
15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on
Aug. 24, and a closing ceremony in Beijing near the year's end.
(Xinhua News Agency January 2, 2007)