On December 10, 2007, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with his ROK counterpart Han Duck Soo at the Great Hall of the People. Both sides reached broad consensus on furthering China-ROK comprehensive cooperative partnership.

During the meeting, Wen said since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 15 yeas ago, bilateral relations have witnessed all-round, in-depth development, with deepening political trust, growing trade cooperation and close coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs. This year, the two countries have held a range of activities to celebrate the 15th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the Exchange Year, helping increase mutual understanding and friendship and promote friendly cooperation in all areas. He said China was happy to see the good momentum in the development of Sino-ROK relations.

Wen said China attaches great importance to ties with the ROK and is ready to strengthen high-level exchanges and dialogue and expand humanistic exchanges with the country. Trade and economic cooperation is an important part of the comprehensive and cooperative partnership between the two countries, he said. Wen hoped the two countries would realize the medium and long-term plans and push forward cooperation in such key areas as environmental protection, energy resources, finance and logistics. China hopes to accelerate studies on the possibility of a free trade zone with the Republic of Korea (ROK) in order to quickly implement the zone, said the premier. Wen also urged both countries to expand mutual investment and enhance quality and effectiveness of their trade cooperation. China welcomes ROK businesses to participate in western development and rejuvenation of the old industrial base in Northeast China, and encourages and supports Chinese companies with strength and reputation to start business in the ROK.

China had supported improved relations between the south and north of the Korean peninsula through dialogue and hoped the reconciliation process would make progress, said the Chinese premier. To steadily advance the process of the six-party talks is a common aspiration of the international community. Wen hoped all sides in the six-party talks would maintain sincerity, move forward side by side and realize the second phase plan according to the principle of "action-to-action" so as to implement the agreement in a comprehensive and balanced way and step by step. China is ready to continue close communication and cooperation with the ROK and contribute to the achievement of these goals, he added.

Han Duck Soo conveyed the sincere greetings from President Roh Moo-hyun. He said bilateral ties have been developing rapidly since the two countries established diplomatic relations. Both sides have trusted each other and made rapid progress in friendly cooperation in all areas. The two countries have witnessed expanding economic and trade cooperation, increasing personnel exchanges, dynamic youth contacts and sound cooperation in regional affairs. Han Duck Soo said the ROK would like to work with China to promote the comprehensive and cooperative partnership, and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation on trade, investment, environmental protection, nuclear electricity, mobile communications and youth exchanges, so as to contribute to peace, stability and development in northeast Asia. The prime minister also wished the Beijing Olympic Games and the Shanghai World Expo successes.

Han Duck Soo also spoke highly of the important role that China has played as host country of the six-party talks, expressing willingness to keep close coordination and cooperation with China to promote the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and realize the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and northeast Asia.

Prior to the talks, Wen Jiabao held a welcoming ceremony for Prime Minister Han Duck Soo's visit at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairman Yang Bangjie of the Central Committee of China Zhi Gong Party, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Vice Minister of Commerce Chen Deming and Chinese Ambassador to the ROK Ning Fukui attended the ceremony.