Chinese, ROK presidents hold talks

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping on Thursday held talks with Republic of Korea (ROK) President Park Geun-hye.

Park arrived in Beijing Thursday morning, kicking off her first state visit to China since taking office in February.

Xi said he hopes the visit will leave a good impression on Park, adding that China and the ROK have enjoyed long-term exchanges.

Xi said China attaches great importance to its ties with the ROK and their bilateral relationship is an important part of China's foreign policy.

Xi said he will work with Park to push their bilateral strategic and cooperative partnership in a healthy and energetic direction.

Xi said he believes Park's visit will further invigorate the development of bilateral relations and promote bilateral strategic cooperation.

Park said bilateral relations have seen remarkable development since the two countries forged diplomatic ties more than 20 years ago.

Park said she will use the visit to advance bilateral ties and push for more positive results regarding the maintenance of peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

It is important to promote bilateral cooperation in economics and security, she said, adding that it is also important to beef up people-to-people exchanges between the two sides.

She said both sides should establish a joint committee dedicated to people-to-people exchanges.

During her four-day visit, Park will also meet with Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang.

Park will also visit Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi province.