Special report: Premier Wen visits ROK, Japan

    SEOUL, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday expounded five proposals on developing Sino-South Korean relations during his meeting with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun.

    Firstly, Wen suggested that the two countries should maintain high-level exchanges. Communication and cooperation between various government departments, legislative bodies and parties should be enhanced, and the consultation and security dialogue on foreign policy should be continuously carried out, he added.

    The second proposal is to deepen economic and trade cooperation, Wen said. Economic and trade cooperation and the dialogue mechanism should be improved, convenient measures on trade investment should be put into effect and an investment-protection agreement should be inked and carried out as soon as possible, he said.

    Emphasis should be put on cooperation in environmental protection, energy saving, telecommunication and goods transportation, the Chinese premier said, adding that a win-win program should be launched as early as possible in a bid to establish the basis for building a free trade zone.

    He said that the third proposal is to promote exchanges of personnel and cultural activities.

    Education cooperation and exchanges between the young generations of the two countries should be expanded, and activities of the Sino-South Korea Exchange Year should be carried out well to make this year an opportunity for both sides to enhance understanding, promote friendship and further cooperation, he added.

    As the fourth proposal, Wen advised the two countries strengthen bilateral coordination and cooperation in regional and world affairs.

    The fifth proposal is to properly handle the issues of each other's concern, he said. China speaks highly of the understanding and support provided by the South Korean government on the Taiwan issue, Wen said, noting that China is ready to act in the same manner on issues of South Korea's concern under the spirit of mutual understanding and trust.

    Wen arrived here on Tuesday morning for his first-ever visit as premier to South Korea. He will leave for Japan on Wednesday and conclude his two-nation tour on Friday.