Lee, Hu exchange messages celebrating 20th anniversary

Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Chinese President Hu Jintao exchanged messages celebrating the 20th anniversary of the countries' diplomatic relations Friday, lauding the rapid progress their ties have made and pledging to move them further forward.

Lee said in his message that the two countries have made "marvelous" progress in forging friendly and cooperative relations in just 20 years' time, calling it an example that is "rare in world history," the presidential office said in a statement.

Lee also said the neighbors have made marked progress not only in economic areas, but also in diplomatic and security sectors as well, and he is convinced that a free trade agreement, which is under negotiations, will "open a new horizon" in their relations if concluded.

"I expect the two countries will continue to cooperate closely based on mutual understanding and respect in the future so that they can enjoy peace and prosperity together," Lee said in the message.

Hu also hailed the progress in the relations with South Korea, saying the ties have repeatedly developed in an "all-out, swift and in-depth" manner.

The Chinese leader stressed that Seoul and Beijing have broad common interests in deepening mutual cooperation and promoting peace and development in the region and beyond, and China intends to further deepen relations with South Korea to open a new chapter in the friendship between the two countries.

Since the 1992 opening of the relations, China has become South Korea's No. 1 trading partner, with last year's trade volume amounting to $220 billion. That is more than double the trade volume, $101 billion, South Korea had with the U.S.

Their political and security relations have not moved forward enough to match the flourishing economic ties. Officials in Seoul, however, said cooperation in those areas made marked progress in recent years to a level where the sides can discuss "previously unthinkable topics," apparently referring to issues related to North Korea.

China has been the North's No. 1 ally that provides it with aid and diplomatic support. (Yonhap)