China hopes to expand its non-governmental exchanges with the Republic of Korea (ROK), said Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan in Beijing Wednesday.
  
Tang made the remarks during his meeting with Park Sam-Koo, chairman of ROK-China Friendship Association. He said China attaches importance to its non-governmental exchanges with ROK, and appreciates the ROK-China Friendship Association for its efforts in promoting Sino-ROK non-governmental friendship over the years.
  
He said he hopes that ROK-China Friendship Association will further enhance its cooperation with the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and China-ROK Friendship Association to contribute to the overall, steady growth of Sino-ROK relations.
  
Park Sam-Koo said a sound development momentum has emerged in the non-governmental exchanges between the two countries, and that the ROK-China Friendship Association is ready to continuously contribute to the promotion of bilateral cooperation in various fields including economic and trade spheres.

(Xinhua News Agency August 11, 2005)