President Lee Jae Myung on Jan. 4 makes a speech at a meeting of Korean expats at a hotel in Beijing. (Yonhap News)

By Yoon Sojung

President Lee Jae Myung on Jan. 4 called China "an indispensable partner on the path toward advancing peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula."

He said this to a meeting of Korean expats in Beijing at the first official event of his state visit to China, Korean media including Yonhap News said, adding that Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in the Chinese capital also hosted the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program.

Recalling the bilateral summit held in November last year on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, the president said, "For the leaders of Korea and China to reciprocate state visits in just two months is unprecedented."

"This reflects the grave and common understanding and strong commitment of both governments to normalize ties as soon as possible and move toward a future-oriented partnership."

The president cited his administration's accomplishments in diplomacy since taking office in June last year, overcoming the absence of foreign policy caused by the failed attempt at martial law. "Among them, the top achievement and greatest reward were full restoration of Seoul-Beijing ties, which had deteriorated for a long time."

"This reciprocal visit will serve as an important watershed in designing the next three decades for both countries, using the past 30 years of bilateral relations as a stepping stone."

President Lee also thanked Korean expats in China.

"I truly respect and thank Korean expats in China who have strongly endured many ups and downs such as the COVID-19 pandemic to emerge as strong support for bilateral relations," he said. "I hope that (this trip) is a new starting point to fill gaps in Seoul-Beijing ties, restore them to normal and stimulate further advancement." 

arete@korea.kr