On the afternoon of January 17, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Park Geun-hye, envoy of ROK President-elect Lee Myung-bak at the Great Hall of the People.

Park first extended a written letter from the ROK President-elect to Hu. "The fact that President-elect Lee Myung-bak dispatched you on a special trip to China not long after his election shows the importance that the ROK side attaches to developing China-ROK ties, which China highly appreciates," said Hu.

"It's already proved that the establishment and development of the comprehensive and cooperative partnership between the two nations follow the trend of the times and reflect the common aspiration and demand of the two peoples, "said Hu. It not only brought concrete benefits to the two peoples, but also served to promote the peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world at large, he added. Hu said it is a set policy of the Chinese government to boost ties with the ROK with the characteristics of long-term stability, comprehensive cooperation, equality and reciprocity. "No matter what change may occur to the domestic situation of the two countries or international situation, our policy won't alter," Hu told Park. Hu vowed to promote sustainable and stable relations with the Republic of Korea (ROK) in aim to push forward the comprehensive and cooperative partnership to a new level.

Park thanked President Hu for meeting with her and spoke highly of the achievements in China's reform and opening up. She highlighted the rapid growth of ROK-China relations in all areas since the two countries forged diplomatic ties. She said the ROK was satisfied with the current growth momentum of the ties. President-elect Lee attaches great importance to developing ties with China, Park said, adding that the ROK would work closer with China to cement the bilateral ties for common development and jointly make active contributions to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and other officials attended the meeting.