Special report: President Hu visits 3 nations, attends SCO Summit

President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Myung-bak (R) meets with Chinese President Hu Jintao at the presidential palace in Seoul, capital of the Republic of Korea, Aug. 25, 2008. Hu Jintao arrived in Seoul on Monday for a two-day state visit to ROK.  (Xinhua/Ju Peng) Photo Gallery>>>

    SEOUL, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao and his South Korean counterpart Lee Myung-bak decided to broaden and enhance cooperation, and intensify coordination on regional and international issues so as to achieve long-term common development while contributing to world peace and prosperity, according to a joint communique issued here Monday.

    The two sides agreed to promote the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries in a comprehensive way, the joint communique said.

    The two leaders expressed their satisfaction over the development of bilateral ties in various fields including politics, economy and culture since China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) established diplomatic relations in 1992.

    They believe China-ROK ties are of great importance for both countries, and the development of relations has not only benefited China and the ROK, but also contributed to peace and development in Asia and the whole world.

    The two sides agreed to intensify political trust and support each other's peaceful development, as well as expand and deepen communication between the governments, parliaments and political parties of the two countries.

    They also committed themselves to strengthening high-level contact and increasing dialogue on defense.

    The two sides also decided to explore new areas of cooperation based on the principles of mutual benefit and complementarity.

    China and the ROK will promote cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, and intensify cooperation and coordination on regional and international issues.

    During his meeting with the Chinese leader, ROK president Lee Myung-bak pledged to further develop ties with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) through reconciliation and cooperation. He also said the ROK will continue its adherence to the one-China policy.

    President Hu reaffirmed his support for the reconciliation process between the ROK and the DPRK, saying he hopes the improvement in ties will finally lead to peaceful reunification.

    President Hu Jintao arrived in Seoul earlier Monday for a two-day state visit, only months after his ROK counterpart Lee Myung-bak's official visit to China in May.

    This is President Hu's second state visit to the ROK. He last visited the country in November 2005.