Former National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug (left), who heads a special presidential envoy to China, on Aug. 24 delivers President Lee Jae Myung's personal letter to Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

By Lee Dasom

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul on Aug. 25 said a special envoy to China deployed by President Lee Jae Myung on Aug. 24 met Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, delivered the president's personal letter, and attended a meeting and a dinner.

Led by former National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug, the delegation held talks with Minister Wang to mark the 33rd anniversary of bilateral ties. "While continuing to develop the Korea-U.S. alliance, the new (Korean) administration will pursue development of the strategic cooperative partnership between Seoul and Beijing based on national interests and pragmatism," it added.

Minister Wang thanked the Korean government for sending the delegation and conveying the president's commitment to developing bilateral ties, adding that he will quickly report President Lee's letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In the consultation, both sides agreed on close cooperation for a successful hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in late October in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and China's role as APEC chair next year. The delegation also asked President Xi to visit Korea for the upcoming summit, and both sides agreed to closely communicate on this.

To build a strategic bilateral partnership that substantially contributes to daily life in both countries, the two sides agreed to focus on achieving tangible results in cultural exchanges, economic cooperation and supply chains. They also pledged to boost the basis of public opinion for the long-term and stable development of bilateral relations.

On bilateral issues such as Chinese installation of structures in the Yellow (West) Sea, the delegation stressed the need to respect mutual interests. It also asked Beijing's cooperation in protecting the safety and rights of Korean nationals in China and managing and preserving historical sites there to mark the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation.

For substantial progress in resolving North Korea's nuclear issues and peace on the Korean Peninsula, the delegation asked China to continue playing a constructive role.

Minister Wang said China's stance on the issue remains unchanged and that Beijing hopes to cooperate with Seoul for peace and stability on the peninsula.

The delegation through Aug. 27 will attend a luncheon and talks with other leading Chinese figures.

dlektha0319@korea.kr