President Moon: "Strengthening Economic Cooperation with China... Will Not Stop Efforts for Korean Peninsula Denuclearization"

President Moon Jae-in is shaking hands with Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, who is visiting Korea, at the Blue House on the 26th. (Photo by Blue House)

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] President Moon Jae-in said on the 26th, "I hope that the two countries (Korea and China) will continue to strengthen economic cooperation as well as human and cultural exchange cooperation, thereby further developing the strategic cooperative partnership more closely."

President Moon made these remarks during a meeting at the Blue House in the afternoon with Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, who is visiting Korea. He said, "As we approach the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations in two years, I hope we can prepare long-term development plans for the new 30 years." The meeting, which started at 4 p.m., lasted 57 minutes, far exceeding the originally scheduled 30 minutes.

Welcoming State Councilor Wang, who visited despite the COVID-19 pandemic, President Moon said, "I am pleased that various high-level exchanges between the two countries continue even in difficult circumstances," adding, "I believe this shows the firmness of the Korea-China friendly cooperative relationship." He also asked Wang to convey warm regards to President Xi Jinping, who has shown the importance of Korea-China relations on many occasions.

President Moon expressed gratitude for China's constructive role and cooperation during the Korean Peninsula peace process, saying, "Our government will not cease efforts to end the war on the Korean Peninsula and achieve complete denuclearization and lasting peace together with the international community, including China." He added, "I hope that State Councilor Wang will continue to play a significant role in Korea-China relations and also contribute constructively to the development of inter-Korean relations."

State Councilor Wang conveyed the "kindest regards" from President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang to President Moon, stating, "Since President Moon's inauguration, under the interest and leadership of the two heads of state, bilateral relations have overcome difficulties and are developing."

Wang said, "Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the two countries, as friendly neighbors, have supported and helped each other while enhancing cooperation," adding, "The two countries were the first to effectively control the COVID-19 situation, thereby protecting the health and safety of their peoples." He further noted, "The two countries were the first to establish a fast-track channel, and through this, we are working together to normalize economic production."

He attributed special significance to his visit to Korea amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation, explaining, "Through such practical actions, we want to show the importance we place on relations with Korea and our confidence that Korea can completely overcome the COVID-19 crisis."

State Councilor Wang said, "Bilateral relations will endure the difficulties of COVID-19 and will surely face broader prospects," emphasizing, "President Xi attaches great importance to his friendship and mutual trust with President Moon and has especially asked me to deliver this verbal message."