Chinese premier meets ROK foreign minister

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday met with the Republic of Korea (ROK)'s foreign minister Yun Byung-se, reaffirming China's commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Yun, on behalf of the ROK government and its people, expressed condolences to the families of casualties in Saturday's devastating earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan Province and hailed the excellent leadership of the Chinese government in carrying out rescue efforts.

Yun, on behalf of the ROK government, offered $1 million in cash to China.

The Chinese premier thanked the ROK for its condolences and assistance. Li also took the opportunity to thank the international community for offering condolences, support and assistance in the aftermath of the quake.

Hailing China-ROK bilateral relations as one of the most important in Asia and the Pacific region, Li called for the two countries to increase communication, deepen pragmatic cooperation, speed up free trade area negotiations and substantiate bilateral strategic partnership,

On the Korean Peninsula, Li said China is committed to denuclearization, safeguarding peace and stability on the peninsula and opposing any actions in the opposite direction.

Stressing China's support on the improvement of relations between ROK and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Li said China would like to work with the ROK to help ease tensions.

Yun said ROK President Park Geun-hye and the new cabinet place great importance on ties with China, pledging to strengthen communication with China and promote common development.

Yun said ROK appreciated China's efforts in safeguarding peace and stability on the peninsula and seeking its denuclearization.

Yun is visiting Beijing as guest of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.