Wang: China, ROK should enhance relations

Beijing and Seoul should focus on mutually beneficial cooperation and get rid of domestic and external interference to advance bilateral ties to sustain sound and stable development momentum, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

The remarks were made when Wang met with Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea Park Jin on Thursday on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and ROK.

Wang said upholding and developing sound relations between China and ROK conforms to the common interests of both sides, otherwise they would suffer.

Noting the two countries are inseparable neighbors and partners, Wang underlined China and ROK should adhere to consensus and understanding that have been reached, and maintain the stability and continuity of policies to each other.

Park said the ROK believed that mutual respect and trust is of vital importance to the development of bilateral ties.

The ROK would like to become China's partner featuring equality, cooperation and mutually beneficial win-win, and promote bilateral cooperation in various areas to achieve more visual results, he added.

The two foreign ministers thought that it is important to strengthen exchanges and deepen communication and agreed in principle to exchange visits during the year.

They agreed to accelerate the second-phase negotiation of the free trade agreement between the two countries and expand cooperation in fields including hi-tech and climate change.

They agreed to enhance people-to-people exchanges, especially those among the youth, as well as resume and increase flights in an orderly way.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional security situation of mutual concern. Wang stressed the international community should adhere to the common value of humanity and advocate practicing true multilateralism in face of rampant unilateralism and bullying power.

The international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by the international law should be upheld, he added.

Wang particularly cautioned against the resurgence of the Cold War mentality and the introduction of major power competitions and bloc politics in the region.