On April 11, 2003, Premier Wen Jiabao met with Yoon Young-kwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Wen spoke positively of the recent development of China-ROK relations. He said that China-ROK relations are developing rapidly with huge potential. During the past 10 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral cooperation has produced remarkable results. Politically, there have been frequent exchanges of high-level visits and enhanced mutual trust. Economically, the two sides have become each other's important partners, with increased trade and investment volume. Bilateral exchanges are also very active in other areas. Wen said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to relations with the ROK, and would like to work with the ROK side to bring China-ROK relations to a new high.

On the DPRK nuclear issue, Wen pointed out that China's position is consistent. The Chinese government believes that the DPRK nuclear issue has to be solved peacefully through dialogue. The goal of de-nuclearization of the peninsula has to be upheld. At the same time, security of the DPRK needs to be guaranteed. China will continue to work unswervingly for maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula. We hope that countries concerned will exercise calmness and restraint and refrain from actions that might lead to further deterioration of the situation.

Yoon Young-kwan said that President Roh Moo-hyun and the ROK government attach great importance to the friendly cooperative relations between the ROK and China. The all-round and in-depth development of cooperation in such fields as economic cooperation, cultural communication and personnel exchanges profit the two countries deeply and also give play to an active role in making the region peaceful and prosperous. The prospects for ROK-China relations are bright.

Yoon Young-kwan expressed thanks for the Chinese government’s active efforts all these years to promote the Korean peninsula’s peace and stability, and said that the ROK government shall adopt a policy of peace and prosperity towards the DPRK and continue to work to peacefully solve the existing problem through dialogue.