Assembly Speaker Meets Chinese NPC Vice Chair, Calling for 'More Mature' Bilateral Ties

Ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and China next year, National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik called for the two nations to pursue the development of bilateral relations in a "more mature and profound manner based on the spirit of establishing diplomatic ties."

Speaker Cho made the remarks on Monday (September 21) during a meeting at the National Assembly with Ding Zhongli, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), stating, "I believe it is important to broaden parliamentary exchanges and cooperation so that bilateral relations can make further progress."

Speaker Cho emphasized, "As of last year, the volume of people-to-people exchanges between South Korea and China surpassed 9 million," adding, "I hope our peoples will engage in more exchanges and cultural interactions will expand within a mutually acceptable scope, thereby deepening goodwill between the two peoples."

He went on to say, "I would like to express my gratitude for the invitation to visit China extended by Chairman Zhao Leji (of the NPC Standing Committee) through Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing," adding, "I look forward to visiting China at an appropriate time to meet Chairman Zhao."

Vice Chairman Ding responded, "Before coming to Korea, Chairman Zhao asked me to 'convey his regards,'" adding, "We hope you will visit China when your schedule permits."

Ding also noted, "The international situation is very complex and constantly changing," adding, "All the more reason that our two nations, as close neighbors, should advance our strategic cooperative partnership in a positive and secure manner through substantive actions."

Prior to this meeting, Speaker Cho met with Italian Ambassador to South Korea Emilia Gatto at the National Assembly.

Speaker Cho said, "Our two nations are vital partners that are bolstering cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade and investment, cutting-edge industries, culture, and people-to-people exchanges," adding, "I look forward to strengthening parliamentary-level cooperation and communication on implementation measures so that these efforts lead to substantive progress."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.