Chinese, ROK presidents pledge all-round cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with South Korean President Park Geun-hye after their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2013. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

President Xi Jinping held talks with his Republic of Korea (ROK) counterpart Park Geun-hye on Thursday and pledged to boost reciprocal cooperation between the two countries in an all-around way.

Hailing the progress of bilateral ties in the 21 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Xi said China attaches great importance to its relationship with the ROK, adding that the two countries share common interests in promoting economic development, addressing regional problems and countering global challenges.

The development of bilateral ties not only benefits the people of the two countries, but also helps to safeguard peace and stability in the region and the world at large, Xi said.

Park arrived in Beijing Thursday morning, kicking off her first state visit to China since taking office in February. During her four-day visit, Park will also meet with Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang.

Xi said both sides should respect each other's social systems and development paths, deepen win-win cooperation, work together to advance the process of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and enhance coordination and cooperation on major regional and global issues.

Xi said China is firmly committed to seeking a nuclear-free peninsula.

"China resolutely safeguards the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the region, opposes any party that disrupts peace and stability and adheres to resolving problems through dialogue and negotiations," Xi said.

Xi said China welcomes Park's proposal of a "Korean Peninsula trust process" and supports the improvement of relations between the north and south.

There have been some positive changes on the peninsula, Xi said, calling for related parties to make efforts to resume the six-party talks at an early date.

Xi said China would like to step up communication and coordination with the ROK regarding the talks.