China urges S. Korea to protect shared interests: Yonhap

By Park Sae-jin Posted : June 20, 2017, 16:24 Updated : June 20, 2017, 16:24

South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Lim Sung-nam (L) shakes hands with Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui in Beijing. [Yonhap News Photo]


A senior Chinese official called for more efforts to protect shared interests with South Korea. Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi made the remarks in his meeting with South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Lim Sung-nam, who is visiting Beijing to discuss issues of mutual concerns with his Chinese counterparts.

Yang said that both countries should cherish what they have accomplished over the past 25 years since establishing diplomatic ties, adding that they should "respect each other and work hard to protect their shared interests". He also hoped that their bilateral relations will return to normal in a "healthy" and "stable" manner and through joint efforts.

Improving and advancing the ties between South Korea and China are in the interest of the two countries, he said, expressing hope that Lim's trip to China would serve as a boost to that end.

Meanwhile, in a separate meeting with Lim, Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui called for ramped-up communication between the two neighbors in a way that would help remove obstacles standing in the way of their relations. Lim responded by reminding that President Moon Jae-in has made it clear since his inauguration that he will put an emphasis on their bilateral ties and foster a strategic cooperative partnership with China.

The meeting was a high-level strategic dialogue between their foreign ministries. It is the first such dialogue in 16 months since it was held in Seoul early last year, possibly providing a chance for the two countries to communicate on major issues following months of friction.

Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com


 
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