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Premier Wen expects China, ROK to speed up FTA talks http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-04/06/content_5943683.htm
2007-04-06
BEIJIN, Apr. 6 -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has spoken to South Korean reporters in Beijing ahead of his visit to Seoul. He answered questions on a possible Sino-South Korean Free Trade Agreement, bilateral relations, as well as the Korean peninsula peninsula issue.
Wen Jiabao said he expected the two countries to speed up the study of a China-South Korea Free Trade Area. He said China and South Korea should quickly come up with a win-win proposal to pave the way for the FTA.
The Premier said China appreciated that South Korea recognized it as a full market economy. He said close trade ties between the two countries are based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and complementarity. He added that bilateral trade ties have entered a new era, requiring more and better forms of cooperation.
Premier Wen urged the two countries to work more closely on energy preservation, environmental protection, as well as in the high-tech and information industries. Wen also proposed stepping up consultations within the framework of the World Trade Organization, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and other international mechanisms.
Wen Jiabao's two-day visit coincides with China-ROK Exchange Year, which includes 47 China-sponsored exchange programs. Wen will launch the year with South Korean leaders in Seoul. He said he believes it will promote bilateral cultural exchanges.
On the Six-Party talks, the Premier said the relevant parties should continue consultations to establish a peace mechanism on the peninsula.
In response to a question about the unification of the Korean Peninsula, Wen Jiabao said China hopes South Korea and the DPRK will develop trust and mend ties through dialogue. He said the Chinese government will continue to play a positive role in this regard.
(Source: China Dailly )
Editor: Pan Letian
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