Chinese President Hu Jintao (3rd L), accompanied by President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Myung-bak (1st L), reviews the honor guard during the welcoming ceremony held by Lee Myung-bak at the presidential palace in Seoul, capital of the Republic of Korea, Aug. 25, 2008. Hu Jintao arrived in Seoul on Monday for a two-day state visit to ROK. [Li Xueren/Xinhua]

 

China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) issued a joint communique in Seoul on Monday, vowing to cement bilateral relations.

The two countries pledged to broaden and enhance cooperation, and intensify coordination on regional and international issues so as to achieve long-term common development while contributing to world peace and prosperity, according to the joint communique issued during President Hu Jintao 's state visit to the ROK.

The two sides agreed to promote the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries in a comprehensive way.

The two heads of state expressed their satisfaction over the development of bilateral ties in various fields including politics, economy and culture since China and the ROK established diplomatic relations in 1992.

China-ROK ties are of great importance for both countries, and the development of relations has not only benefited China and the ROK, but also contributed to peace and development in Asia and the whole world, said the communique.

The two sides agreed to intensify political trust and support each other's peaceful development, as well as expand and deepen communication between the governments, parliaments and political parties of the two countries.

They also committed themselves to strengthening high-level contact and increasing dialogue on defense.

The two sides also decided to explore new areas of cooperation based on the principles of mutual benefit and complementarity.

China and the ROK will promote cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and intensify cooperation and coordination on regional and international issues.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L Rear) and President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Myung-bak (R Rear) hold a joint press conference after their meeting at the presidential palace in Seoul, capital of the Republic of Korea, Aug. 25, 2008. Hu Jintao arrived in Seoul on Monday for a two-day state visit to ROK. [Li Xueren/Xinhua]

On the Taiwan issue, the ROK reiterated its adherence to the one-China policy.

The ROK pledged to further develop ties with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) through reconciliation and cooperation, while the Chinese side reaffirmed its support for the reconciliation process between the ROK and the DPRK and their final peaceful reunification.

China and the ROK will maintain frequent exchange of high-level visits and contacts, the communique said.