An, "Stability on the Korean Peninsula Benefits Both Korea and China's National Interests"…Visit from Chinese Ambassador to Korea

Ambassador Xing Haiming: "Future-oriented and Stable Relationship Development is Important"

Ahn Cheol-soo, Chairman of the 20th Presidential Transition Committee, is meeting with Xing Haiming, Chinese Ambassador to Korea, at the transition office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 6th. Photo by Transition Committee Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] On the 6th, Ahn Cheol-soo, Chairman of the Presidential Transition Committee, received a courtesy visit from Xing Haiming, Ambassador of China to Korea, and discussed the development of Korea-China relations.

Chairman Ahn expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Xing, who visited the Transition Committee office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, saying, "I will also work hard to create a mutually respectful and future-oriented Korea-China relationship."

He added, "Now is the time to design a better relationship for the next 30 years."

Chairman Ahn emphasized, "There are many areas where Korea and China need to have deep discussions, not only on economic issues but also on environment and health," and said, "I truly hope that cooperative relations will progress more constructively."

He also stated, "North Korea is currently conducting ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) launch tests, and there is a possibility of heightened tensions," adding, "In fact, the stability of the Korean Peninsula is truly beneficial to the national interests of both Korea and China, and under this common understanding, I ask for much cooperation on these issues."

The visit by Ambassador Xing Haiming started about 10 minutes later than scheduled.

Ambassador Xing opened the conversation in Korean, saying, "Sorry for being late. I heard from several friends that Chairman Ahn is very excellent. I am very pleased to meet you today. Please give me a lot of guidance."

He continued, "Recently, Chairman Xi Jinping and President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol had a very excellent phone call. We are close neighbors who cannot move away from each other and inseparable cooperative partners," adding, "As Chairman Ahn mentioned earlier, it is important to develop a future-oriented and stable Korea-China relationship well. We agreed to work together on this, and we will accept that and make efforts accordingly."

He added, "This year marks the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations, so we will strive to make it even better and continue to expand the relationship in the future."

Ambassador Xing also expressed respect for Chairman Ahn, saying, "Today, my delegation and I are honored and very pleased to visit the Transition Committee and meet Chairman Ahn," and "I was glad to hear that you became the chairman of the Transition Committee."

Ambassador Xing said, "This is my fourth time working in Korea, so I have many friends around. I have heard that Chairman Ahn is a very excellent person," and added, "Since you are the chairman of the Transition Committee, I thought you would take over everything well and handle it properly."

Meanwhile, Kim Tae-hyo, member of the Transition Committee's Foreign Affairs and Security division, Kim Kyung-soon, senior advisor, and Shin Yong-hyun, spokesperson for the Transition Committee, were also present at the meeting.