China's top legislator, ROK assembly speaker hold talks

BEIJING, Dec. 4 -- Top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang on Wednesday held talks with Kang Chang-hee, speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Zhang, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, reviewed the rapid growth of China-ROK relations since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1992, citing increased economic and trade cooperation, growing people-to-people exchanges and closer joint interests.

Zhang reviewed the productive talks between the presidents of the two countries in June, saying the summit outlined the direction for China-ROK relations in the new era.

As the two countries are committed to accomplishing their development goals, they have broad room for cooperation, Zhang said.

Zhang reaffirmed China's commitment to working with ROK to increase consultations, properly handle problems which occur, deepen pragmatic cooperation in all fields and seek deeper growth of the bilateral partnership.

Zhang underlined the importance the NPC has placed on developing ties with the ROK National Assembly, calling for friendly exchanges at all levels.

Stressing the geographical and cultural closeness between the two countries, Kang said the two nations and peoples have benefited from increasing exchanges.

Kang said the ROK National Assembly would like to deepen relations with the NPC, increase coordinations in international and regional parliamentary organizations and play a bigger role in promoting substantive cooperation and enhancing friendship between the two peoples.