SEOUL: The Republic of Korea (ROK) Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has hailed his country's ties with China and sees the "partnership" growing ever closer.

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Han said the April 10-11 visit by Premier Wen Jiabao will add a new impetus to Sino-ROK relations, which have developed rapidly ever since the two countries established diplomatic ties 15 years ago.

Han praised the cooperation between the two countries, saying it is beneficial to both sides and will continue.

Citing China's strength in some advanced scientific areas, such as space aeronautics, and the ROK's relative edge in technology-centered industries, Han said he believes future bilateral economic and trade relations will be competitive and cooperative both, but stressed cooperation will be of greater importance.

Both countries have cooperated closely on foreign affairs, anti-terrorism, non-proliferation and environmental protection, too, he said. The relationships between the peoples and the governments and their economic cooperation will continue to develop.

Non-governmental exchanges play a big role in fostering friendship, and the ROK prime minister said his country would provide better system guarantees for such exchanges, including the signing of a free-trade agreement (FTA).

China is the ROK's major cooperation partner, and the two governments, as well as the industrial and academic circles of both the countries, are jointly studying how to set up a Sino-ROK free-trade zone before deciding when to start their FTA negotiations.

He spoke highly of China's rapid development in recent decades, saying it has provided new development opportunities for the ROK.

He also praised China's role in establishing the peace mechanism on the Korean Peninsula and safeguarding peace and stability in East Asia and across the world.

The ROK will maintain its responsible cooperation with China, he added.

Xinhua

(China Daily 04/10/2007 page2)