Lima: Xi Jinping, President of China, on Friday called on China and South Korea to foster the sound and steady development of the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Yoon Suk-yeol, President of South Korea, on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
Since their last meeting two years ago in Bali, Indonesia, the international and regional situations have undergone significant changes, Xi noted, adding that bilateral ties have, on the whole, maintained a momentum of development. He emphasised the importance of strengthening high-level exchanges, enhancing mutual understanding and trust, and striving for mutual success and shared development.
Xi highlighted China’s commitment to expanding high-level opening-up and expressed a welcoming stance towards increased investment by South Korean enterprises. He called on both sides to jointly safeguard the international free trade system and ensure
the stability and smooth operation of global and regional industrial and supply chains. Furthermore, Xi acknowledged South Korea’s upcoming role as the APEC host next year and expressed China’s readiness to enhance multilateral coordination and cooperation with South Korea.
On his part, South Korean President Yoon noted that exchanges and cooperation across various domains between the two countries have progressed in an orderly manner since his meeting with Xi two years ago. He acknowledged China’s role as a key driver of global economic growth and a major contributor to addressing global challenges. Yoon stated that South Korea views China as an important partner and seeks to promote the continued development of their strategic cooperative partnership, grounded in mutual respect and the original spirit of establishing diplomatic ties, to better address shared challenges and contribute to regional peace and stability.
Yoon welcomed China’s decision to grant visa-free entry to South Korean citizens and expre
ssed willingness to work closely with China to promote deeper cultural and people-to-people exchanges, strengthening the friendship between their peoples. He added that South Korea is eager to strengthen communication and cooperation with China within multilateral frameworks such as APEC to jointly uphold multilateralism and free trade.