Chinese president says China-S. Korea ties at best in history

SEOUL, July 4 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Friday that China and South Korea have become genuine strategic cooperative partners and bilateral relations are at their best in history.

Delivering a speech at the Seoul National University, Xi noted that while the Chinese people are striving to realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, the South Korean people are committed to their dream of creating an "era of national happiness."

The convergence in development provides historical opportunities for the two countries to cement cooperation, Xi added.

As for the development of China, Xi pledged that his country will always safeguard peace, promote cooperation and keep a learning mind.

China will adhere to the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation with neighboring countries, and work to share its own development with others, Xi said.

Hailing the development of China-South Korea relations, Xi proposed that the two countries adopt a broader vision to integrate their respective dream with a greater Asian dream.

China and South Korea should work to conclude their negotiation on a free trade agreement by the end of this year and push forward regional economic partnership, so as to inject impetus into Asia's economic and trade cooperation, he said.

Xi also urged the two countries to handle their differences in a proper way so as to create an environment for peaceful and stable development.

"We should innovate concepts on security and jointly safeguard peace and development of Asia," he said.

Calling China an eternal and reliable friend of the Korean people, Xi said his country wants to see South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) improve relations, and supports the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula.

Furthermore, Xi said China and South Korea should strengthen people-to-people exchanges, calling for efforts from both governments.

He encouraged youth of both countries to learn from each other and strengthen friendship.

The Chinese president arrived here Thursday for a two-day state visit to South Korea, his first trip to the Asian neighbor since he took office last year.