South Korean Foreign Minister to Hold Talks with Chinese Counterpart in Beijing

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), Cho Hyun, will visit China this week, the Foreign Ministry in Beijing confirmed today.

According to the statement, the top diplomat will arrive in the Asian giant on September 17 at the invitation of his counterpart, Wang Yi.

Agenda of the Meeting

Citing the Yonhap news agency, both sides are expected to discuss a range of bilateral issues, including Chinese President Xi Jinping’s attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, scheduled for the end of next month in the South Korean city of Gyeongju.

China has recently reaffirmed its willingness to strengthen cooperation with South Korea and underscored the importance of maintaining a stable and mutually beneficial relationship.

Diplomatic Engagements

Former Speaker of the South Korean National Assembly, Park Byeong-seug, visited China as a special envoy of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

Beijing has repeatedly expressed its interest in consolidating constructive relations with neighboring countries, based on cooperation, stability, and mutual respect.

In the case of South Korea, both sides marked on August 24 the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which have experienced ups and downs due in part to differences over security issues, diverging international alliances, and a history of confrontation.

Official Statements

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning noted that the two nations are inseparable neighbors and emphasized that the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties have seen rapid and sustained development in all areas.

Mao stated: “A sound, stable, and ever-deepening China–South Korea relationship serves the fundamental interests of both peoples, and also contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.”

She further added that China is ready to work with South Korea to uphold the original spirit of diplomatic relations, foster good-neighborly ties and friendship, and advance cooperation based on mutual benefit.