Special report: Premier Wen visits ROK, Japan

    SEOUL, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reaffirmed China's commitment to the goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula during talks with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun on Tuesday.

    China sticks to its position on a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue, said Premier Wen, who arrived here on Tuesday morning for an official visit.

    Continued progress will be achieved in promoting the process of the six-party talks so long as all relevant parties bear in mind the overall interest of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the region as a whole and make unremitting efforts, Wen said.

    China is ready to work together with South Korea and other parties concerned to strive to realize long-term peace and stability in Northeast Asia at an early date, he added.

    At the talks, President Roh said China has made unremitting efforts toward the settlement of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

    In efforts to promote the process of the six-party talks, South Korea and China have enjoyed close cooperation, which has not only strengthened their bilateral ties and enhanced mutual trust but also helped accumulate experience for resolving the issues of Northeast Asia, he said.

    South Korea still holds out hope for a settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, he added.