Beijing, Seoul promise new 'strategic partnership'

China and South Korea yesterday issued a joint statement outlining their new "strategic cooperative partnership."

The statement coincided with the first state visit of South Korea's new President Lee Myung-bak.

Under the joint statement, China and South Korea lauded the rapid growth of bilateral ties since diplomatic relations were forged in 1992.

They agreed to upgrade their "comprehensive and cooperative partnership" to "strategic cooperative partnership," which means stronger ties in IPR protection, foreign affairs, security, economy, society, culture and personnel exchanges.

The two countries agreed to establish a senior-level strategic dialogue between their foreign ministries. They also pledged to study and promote the process of a China-South Korea free trade area.

While reviewing their history of exchange, both countries agreed to increase ties between their young people. They pledged to boost their personnel exchanges by studying and adopting measures to facilitate visa process.

China welcomed the establishment of a South Korean consulate in Wuhan, capital of the central Hubei province.

On regional and international issues, China reiterated its support for improving inter-Korea ties through dialogue and consultation.

South Korea reaffirmed its stance on resolving the Korean nuclear issue and expanding inter-Korea cooperation in all fields. Regarding the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue, both countries vowed to make joint efforts with other parties in the Six-Party Talks and realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

They reiterated the importance of the United Nations in dealing with global issues. Both agreed UN reform would increase the international body's authority, role and efficiency.

China and South Korea shared the view that tripartite cooperation between China, South Korea and Japan is important to peace, stability and prosperity in Asia. For that purpose, both countries agreed to hold a three-nation summit and for their respective foreign ministers to talk regularly.

They agreed to work closely to deal with climate change, weapons of mass destruction, international terrorism, financial crimes, pirates, high-tech crime and other issues of common concern.

The two sides hailed three newly signed bilateral treaties on the repatriation of convicts, mutual recognition of academic degrees in higher education and cooperation on polar science and technology.

President Hu Jintao said he looked forward to Lee's attendance at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in August. Lee expressed his wishes for the success of the Games and invited Hu to visit South Korea in the near future.