On the morning of November 2 local time, Premier Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn of the Republic of Korea (ROK) attended the first China-ROK Youth Leaders Forum.

Li Keqiang and Hwang Kyo-ahn had friendly exchanges with the participating youth representatives from all circles of two countries such as politics, economy, education, culture and sports, and then delivered a warm speech respectively.

Li Keqiang said in his speech that as an important part of China-ROK people-to-people and cultural exchanges, youth exchange represents the future of bilateral relations. During his visit to the ROK in 2011, he talked with young friends of both countries, watched them making kimchi together, and jointly experienced the folk culture of the ROK. He deeply feels that China-ROK friendship has its roots in the hearts of the two peoples and especially the young generation. The close friendship between young friends of China and the ROK goes beyond languages and borders, and there is huge potential in the future of China-ROK friendship.

Li Keqiang pointed out that China is currently implementing an innovation-driven development strategy and promoting mass entrepreneurship and innovation. The ROK is also committed to advocating the "creative economy". He hopes that the youth of the two countries can take the opportunity of the docking of development strategies of China and the ROK and pool wisdom and strength extensively to forge a bright future for China-ROK cooperation in innovation and entrepreneurship. He hopes that the forum will provide a platform for the two countries' young elites from all circles to carry out in-depth exchanges and innovation cooperation, and also hopes that the young people of the two countries will deepen friendship and connect their dreams for innovation and entrepreneurship through the forum, and become an active force in China-ROK practical cooperation in various fields.

Hwang Kyo-ahn said that the ROK-China Youth Leaders Forum is of much significance, and its theme conforms to the two countries' innovative development strategies and shows the enthusiasm of the two countries' young people for innovation. The current ROK-China relations are more solid than ever. He hopes that the young people of the two countries will strengthen exchanges, enhance understanding, inject fresh vitality into the development of bilateral relations and join hands toward a brand new future.

China and the ROK decided that the two countries send 100 young elites for mutual visits annually from 2015 to 2019 and hold the China-ROK Youth Leaders Forum regularly. The theme of this forum is "Gathering Strength of Youth of China and ROK and Fulfill Dreams for Innovation and Entrepreneurship".