On March 2, local time, ROK President Lee Myung-bak met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Seoul.

Lee said this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the ROK and China. He hailed the significant development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 20 years ago, saying that he believes the two countries will see greater improvement in their relationship during the next 20 years. Lee said the ROK side attaches great importance to its relations with China, hoping the two sides do more to increase high-level exchanges, enhance mutual trust and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. Lee also hoped the two countries make more efforts to set up a free trade zone soon and push forward the strategic cooperative partnership. As for the nuclear security summit to be held in Seoul later this month, Lee said China's positive role is widely valued by all parties, and the ROK is looking forward to Chinese leader's attendance. He said he believed the summit will be a success with joint efforts by all parties.

For his part, the Chinese foreign minister said the two counties had seen all-round and rapid development of bilateral exchanges and cooperation during the past 20 years. Bilateral relations have been pushed to one new level after another and both sides have established strategic cooperative partnership, with frequent high-level exchanges, deepening communication and mutual trust. Exchanges and cooperation in trade, cultural and other areas have also made remarkable achievements. The two sides have kept sound communication and coordination in international and regional affairs, which contributes to safeguarding the common interests, Yang said. Yang noted that China is willing to strengthen friendship, deepen mutual trust and expand cooperation with South Korea so as to push bilateral ties to a new high, benefit both countries and their people and contribute to peace, stability and development of the region.

Yang said China appreciates elaborate preparations made by the ROK for the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit and is ready to work with South Korea to bring about positive outcomes at the summit.

The two sides also exchanged views on some issues of common concern.