South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has hailed his
country's ties with China and sees the "partnership" growing ever
closer.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Han said the April 10-11
visit by Premier Wen Jiabao will add a new impetus to Sino-South
Korean relations, which have developed rapidly ever since the two
countries established diplomatic ties 15 years ago.
Han praised the cooperation between the two countries, saying it
is beneficial to both sides and will continue.
Citing China's strength in some advanced scientific areas, such
as space aeronautics, and South Korea's relative edge in
technology-centered industries, Han said he believes future
bilateral economic and trade relations will be competitive and
cooperative both, but stressed cooperation will be of greater
importance.
Both countries have cooperated closely on foreign affairs,
anti-terrorism, non-proliferation and environmental protection,
too, he said. The relationships between the peoples and the
governments and their economic cooperation will continue to
develop.
Non-governmental exchanges play a big role in fostering
friendship, and the South Korean prime minister said his country
would provide better system guarantees for such exchanges,
including the signing of a free-trade agreement (FTA).
China is South Korea's major cooperation partner, and the two
governments, as well as the industrial and academic circles of both
the countries, are jointly studying how to set up a Sino-South
Korean free-trade zone before deciding when to start their FTA
negotiations.
He spoke highly of China's rapid development in recent decades,
saying it has provided new development opportunities for South
Korea.
He also praised China's role in establishing the peace mechanism
on the Korean Peninsula and safeguarding peace and stability in
East Asia and across the world.
South Korea will maintain its responsible cooperation with
China, he added.
(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2007)
