Wen: Sino-ROK youth exchanges make for bright future

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-11-2007 09:14

This year is the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Republic of Korea. And it's celebrated with a year of China-ROK exchanges.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao addressed 3,000 young people from both countries this afternoon in Seoul. He was accompanied by ROK Prime Minister Han Duck Soo. They called on the youth to make joint efforts to improve friendship between their countries.

It was a get-together of young people and a feast of friendship.

And they were joined by Chinese premier Wen Jiabao and ROK Prime Minister Han Duck Soo in the Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Primer Wen said youth exchange is bringing the two sides ever more close.

Primer Wen said, “Viewed from the perspective of bilateral relations, politics must provide the foundation, economy the link, culture the bridge, and youth the future.”

Prime minister Han Duck-soo said he was delighted to see positive exchanges between the young people.

Han Duck-soo said,“The youth exchange programs are crucial for the strengthening of friendship. If young people from the two nations can become good friends, so will their countries.”

It's people-to-people exchanges that pass on friendship through the generations. The more they know each other, and the younger they begin, the better.

Chinese youth member, said, “My deepest impression is that through such activities, young people from both countries can become close friends. This will bring new impetus for stronger national ties.”

You Sung-Jae, Korea-China culture & Youth Assoc., said, "The event provides a good opportunity for Chinese to understand South Korea. I hope for sound Sino-South Korean relations."

This youth delegation is not the first here.

Under an agreement in 2004, the Republic of Korea invites five hundred Chinese youth to visit each year. And about one hundred ROK youth come to China.

This youth exchange is only the beginning for the Exchange Year. Both countries will hold a series of events this year to mark the 15th anniversary of diplomatic ties. It's a precious opportunity to expand bilateral relations.

China and the ROK are close neighbors and share many common interests.

Both have an active role to play in promoting regional peace and development.

Last year, China become the ROK's biggest trading partner and investment destination. And the ROK is China's number-three trading partner and second largest investment destination.

Premier Wen Jiabao's visit is expected to inject new impetus to bilateral ties.

Editor:Du Xiaodan