China, ROK presidents vow cooperation as FTA talks conclude

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his counterpart from the Republic of Korea (ROK) Park Geun-hye on Monday pledged to enhance bilateral cooperation as the two countries concluded substantive negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA).

In his meeting with Park, who is here for the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM), Xi Jinping said he is willing to maintain communications with the ROK president to exchange views on major issues in a timely manner. [Special coverage]

The leaders should push forward fruitful and pragmatic cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, to make China and the ROK "good neighbors and good partners," he said.

The two countries on Monday concluded substantive negotiations on the establishment of a China-ROK free trade area, described by Xi as a milestone in promoting Asia-Pacific regional integration.

Park also expresed hope that China and the ROK could uphold the spirit of cooperation and push for new achievements in the strategic partnership of cooperation between the two countries.

She said the AELM hosted by China this year would effectively contribute to regional integration of the Asia-Pacific, adding that the ROK would actively study the prospect of its joining into the newly-launched Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Commenting on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Xi said China's stand has always been clear and consistent. He urged parties involved to show sincerity and flexibility, to restart the Six Party Talks and find a pragmatic and effective solution which is acceptable for all.

He said China supports the ROK and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to improve their ties though dialogues and negotiations.

Park, meanwhile, said the ROK attaches importance to China's vital role in Korean Peninsula affairs, and expressed hope that the two countries could enhance communication and coordination to create favorable conditions for an early restart of the Six Party Talks.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a series of cooperative documents, such as the meeting minutes of the conclusion of substantive negotiations on the China-ROK FTA and an agreement to waiver visa requirements for Chinese and ROK nationals holding diplomatic and service passports.