Economy
Wen expects early launch of FTA talks with S Korea
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-29 13:46
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SEOUL - Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Friday that free trade area (FTA) negotiations between China and South Korea could be launched later this year or early next year upon the completion of a feasibility study.
Wen made the remarks in talks with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in the presidential office in Seoul.
"When the joint feasibility study by the governments as well as industrial and academic circles is successfully completed, the two countries can inaugurate negotiations on the China-South Korea FTA in the second half of this year or the first half of next year," said Wen.
After their talks, Wen and Lee also witnessed the signing of some cooperative documents, including a Memorandum of Understanding about the feasibility study of the China-South Korea free trade agreement.
Wen kicked off his visit to South Korea earlier Friday, his second visit to the country since 2007. Lee hosted a welcome ceremony for Wen's visit, and they held formal talks following more than one-hour smaller-group discussions.
Wen highlighted the sound development of China-South Korea trade ties, urging the two countries to make joint efforts to overcome difficulties caused by the global financial crisis and promote bilateral cooperation to a new level.
China and South Korea should strive to make bilateral trade volume meet the target of $200 billion by 2012 and $300 billion by 2015, said Wen.
Wen also suggested that the two countries materialize mid- and long-term trade cooperation guidelines and explore new trade cooperative fields, deepen cooperation in areas like high technology and circular economy, combat trade protectionism, expand cultural and youth exchanges, step up coordination within the framework of the Group of 20 (G20) and promote reform of the international economic governance system to make it fairer and more rational.
"China supports South Korea's efforts for hosting the G20 summit in the second half of this year," said Wen.
Wen and Lee agreed to further promote China-South Korea relations of strategic cooperation and partnership, which was established in 2008.
China and South Korea, both important countries in East Asia, have extensive common interests, and China attaches importance to its relations with South Korea, hoping the two countries could enhance communication and cooperation in a bid to benefit the two peoples and promote peace and stability in the region, Wen said.
The two countries have kept close cooperation in the process of tackling the global financial crisis and safeguarded common interests, Wen said.
President Lee said South Korea and China are both engaged in the development of relations of strategic cooperation and partnership, and that cooperation between the two countries has registered rapid progress in various fields.
The two countries, which have worked together to deal with the financial crisis and oppose trade protectionism, are maintaining the momentum of bilateral trade growth and are making important contribution to world's economic recovery, said Lee.
He said South Korea is willing to work with China to keep high-level exchange and political dialogue, further improve bilateral trade, quicken FTA construction, and enhance cooperation in such areas as clean energy, environmental protection and the development of green economy.
Lee said South Korea will coordinate with China in multilateral mechanisms like the G20.
Lee briefed Wen on the results of investigation into the sinking of the "Cheonan" warship and considerations on how to deal with the incident.
Lee hoped China will play an important role in pushing forward a proper handling of the incident, and in safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Wen described the sinking of South Korea's Cheonan warship as unfortunate. He said China understands the sorrows of the bereaved families as well as those of the South Korean people in general. He extended condolences to the families of those killed and to the South Korean people.
The Chinese premier said that as a responsible nation, China takes serious note of the results of an investigation conducted by South Korea and some other countries, as well as the reactions of all parties.
China will make a judgement in an "objective and fair manner" and take its stance on the basis of facts concerning the incident, Wen said.
China is always committed to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and has worked persistently for this end. China rejects and condemns any acts that damage peace and stability on the peninsula, Wen said.
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The Chinese leader also asked all parties to take a long-term perspective, promote the process of the Six-Party talks in a bid to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula for the sake of lasting peace and stability there.
China hopes the South Korean government will properly handle the warship sinking incident, and will keep close communication with South Korea on the issue, said Wen.
Besides his official visit to South Korea, Wen will attend the third trilateral summit of China, Japan and South Korea in South Korea's southern resort island of Jeju.
South Korea is the first leg of Wen's Asia tour, which will also take him to Japan, Mongolia and Myanmar.