Lee meets Chinese FM, calls for close communication on Korean Peninsula issues

Seoul, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung held a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday, urging deeper communication between the two nations over Korean Peninsula matters. Lee's office confirmed this, stating that Seoul and Beijing had fully restored their relations, pointing to their personal meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping last year and this year during their talks at Cheong Wa Dae.

Lee expressed satisfaction at the growing economic cooperation between the two governments, driven by political trust.

The president specifically asked Wang to maintain close strategic dialogue with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac regarding South Korea-China relations and the Korean Peninsula issues. Wang, for his part, conveyed greetings from Xi and affirmed that bilateral relations were progressing steadily.

He vowed to play a more active role in honoring the agreements between Lee and Xi prior to the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year. Wang also sought Seoul's backing for China's hosting of this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which Lee agreed to provide full support for.

Subsequent discussions between National Security Adviser Wi and Wang covered bilateral ties and the peninsula's security situation. Wi discussed South Korea's attempts to foster peace with North Korea and resume dialogue, emphasizing the need for North Korea to cease its nuclear program. Wi urged China to assume a constructive role in Seoul's pursuit of these policies.

Wang reiterated China's commitment to maintaining stability on the peninsula and pledged to continue contributing constructively to regional peace and security. Both sides also exchanged opinions on the evolving global security landscape, agreeing that regional nations should respect each other's positions and cooperate to expand shared interests amidst increasing political and economic interdependence. Wang extended an invitation for Wi to visit China, which South Korea accepted.