Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan (R) shakes hands with Lee Hae-chan, a lawmaker of the National Assembly of Uri Party and former ROK Prime Minister, in Beijing, Mar. 11, 2007.    [Xinhua Photo]

    BEIJING, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan on Sunday pledged to enhance exchange with the Republic of Korea (ROK) during a meeting with former ROK Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan.

    Lee, now a lawmaker of the National Assembly of Uri Party and senior advisor of ROK President Roh Moo-hyun, had just concluded afour-day visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

    During the meeting, both sides discussed the situation of the Korean Peninsula and other issues of common concern.

    This year marks the 15th anniversary of China-ROK diplomatic ties as well as the Year of China-ROK Exchange. Tang said he believes bilateral ties face precious opportunity for further development.

    He called for both sides to enhance strategic consultation, expand win-win cooperation and facilitate China-ROK all-round cooperative partnership.

    "China always values its friendly ties with various parties of ROK, and is ready to maintain and enhance cooperation with Uri Party based on the four principles of party exchange," Tang told Lee.

    In response, Lee said ROK attaches great importance to developing comprehensive cooperative ties with China, and will do its best to push forward bilateral exchanges in various fields including party exchange.

    Lee took office as ROK prime minister in June 2004 and resigned early last year.