SEOUL: Wu Bangguo, China's top legislator, met yesterday with Republic of Korea (ROK) President Roh Moo-hyun and both leaders stressed the importance of co-operation between the two countries.

Roh praised China's role in brokering the recent six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, saying the negotiation process must be continued.

Wu agreed, saying the talks were a step forward in resolving the nuclear issue through peaceful dialogue.

At a reception hosted by Li Bin, China's ambassador to the ROK, Wu elaborated China's position on the nuclear issue, saying the country will support all measures that are beneficial to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Wu said China's stand has been that the Korean Peninsula should be nuclear-free and peace and stability should be maintained.

He also stressed China's position that the issue should be solved peacefully through dialogue.

"Legitimate concerns of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea should be addressed," Wu added.

Park Kwan-yong, speaker of the ROK National Assembly, said Wu's visit will strengthen co-operation and exchanges between his parliament and China's National People's Congress as well as contribute to bilateral relations.

Hailing Wu's visit an important one, Kim Keun-tae, a member of the ROK National Assembly, said a major step has been taken by all countries in the region despite historical obstacles and differences in economic growth.

On bilateral relations, Wu said the strong complementary economies between the two nations are a solid foundation for co-operation in all fields.

The establishment of diplomatic relations 10 years ago was in the best interest of both nations, Roh said, adding that China's prosperity and booming economy has provided precious opportunities and a vast market for the ROK.

Recalling his latest visit to China in July, Roh said ROK people are satisfied with and support the idea of building up an all-around co-operative partnership with China.

On Tuesday evening, Wu met with ROK opposition Grand National Party Chairman Choe Byung-yul.

Wu told Choe that China is glad to see both ruling and opposition parties in the ROK support the growth of bilateral friendly relations and co-operation between the two countries.

He said China and ROK established diplomatic ties while the Grand National Party was in power, and that he hoped the party will continue to play an active role in expanding the all-round co-operative partnership between the two countries.

Wu will fly to Japan today for the last stop on his three-nation tour in Asia.

(China Daily 09/04/2003 page1)