South Korean President Tells Chinese Envoy Relations Fully Restored

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung met with Wang Yi, the top Chinese diplomat, on August 20, stating that significant achievements have been made in fully restoring bilateral relations. Wang, Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party and Foreign Minister, is on his first visit to South Korea in five years.

During their meeting at the Blue House, President Lee expressed his pleasure with the progress made since his consecutive meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping last year and this year. He highlighted that these interactions have led to concrete results in "fully restoring South Korea-China relations." Lee noted the strengthening of horizontal and reciprocal cooperation in the economic sphere, built on political trust between the two governments. He also expressed satisfaction with the growing friendship and trust between the people of both nations.

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Since meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping consecutively last year and this year, we have been creating definite results in 'fully restoring South Korea-China relations.'

Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping's regards and extended his deep gratitude for the warm reception from President Lee and the South Korean government. He affirmed that bilateral relations are maintaining a stable development trajectory, based on the common understanding reached during reciprocal state visits by the leaders of both countries. Wang emphasized the importance of diligently implementing the follow-up measures agreed upon by the leaders in various fields to meaningfully celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.

The meeting underscores a period of renewed engagement between Seoul and Beijing, aiming to solidify economic ties and people-to-people exchanges. The discussions focused on building upon existing political trust to foster deeper cooperation, particularly as both nations look towards future milestones in their relationship.

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Based on the common understanding reached through the reciprocal state visits by the leaders of the two countries, South Korea-China relations are continuing on a stable development path. We will actively play a role in diligently implementing the follow-up measures agreed upon by the leaders in various fields so that we can meaningfully celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.