By Yi Whan-woo
South Korea and China held their second round of working-level talks in Seoul, Monday, to discuss foreign policy issues and security matters involving the two countries.
The foreign ministry's director-general for Northeast Asian Affairs, Lee Sang-deok, and the defense ministry's Brig. Gen. Park Cheol-kyun, a deputy director general met their Chinese counterparts — Kong Xuanyou and Liu Zhonbin — in the so-called "two plus two dialogue," according to the government.
A previous meeting took place in December 2013. The dialogue began in pursuant to the agreement between President Park Geun-hye and Chinese President Xi Jinping in their summit in June 2013. Back then, the two leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral ties in diplomacy and security.
In particular, the rank of the defense ministry's representative this time was upgraded from director. The rank of the foreign ministry's delegation remained unchanged.
"This is expected to facilitate genuine dialogue on foreign policy and security and help further strengthen strategic communication between the two countries," the government said in a press release.
The talks on Monday also came amid signs of thawing relations between the two Koreas.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hinted at the possibility of an inter-Korean summit in his New Year message, Thursday.
He said inter-Korean talks that have been suspended can resume at all levels, including a summit, if Seoul is willing to improve relations.
The announcement was made in the wake of a proposal from Seoul on Dec. 29 to hold inter-Korean talks this month.
The Presidential Committee for Unification Preparation said one of its two co-vice chairmen — Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae and Seoul's former ambassador to China Chung Chong-wook — are ready to meet their North Korean counterparts to discuss pending inter-Korean issues.
Pyongyang's dire human rights record and nuclear tests have led to its further isolation in its relations with other countries, including China which has been its traditional ally for over half a century.
South Korea and China held their second round of working-level talks in Seoul, Monday, to discuss foreign policy issues and security matters involving the two countries.
The foreign ministry's director-general for Northeast Asian Affairs, Lee Sang-deok, and the defense ministry's Brig. Gen. Park Cheol-kyun, a deputy director general met their Chinese counterparts — Kong Xuanyou and Liu Zhonbin — in the so-called "two plus two dialogue," according to the government.
A previous meeting took place in December 2013. The dialogue began in pursuant to the agreement between President Park Geun-hye and Chinese President Xi Jinping in their summit in June 2013. Back then, the two leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral ties in diplomacy and security.
In particular, the rank of the defense ministry's representative this time was upgraded from director. The rank of the foreign ministry's delegation remained unchanged.
"This is expected to facilitate genuine dialogue on foreign policy and security and help further strengthen strategic communication between the two countries," the government said in a press release.
The talks on Monday also came amid signs of thawing relations between the two Koreas.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hinted at the possibility of an inter-Korean summit in his New Year message, Thursday.
He said inter-Korean talks that have been suspended can resume at all levels, including a summit, if Seoul is willing to improve relations.
The announcement was made in the wake of a proposal from Seoul on Dec. 29 to hold inter-Korean talks this month.
The Presidential Committee for Unification Preparation said one of its two co-vice chairmen — Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae and Seoul's former ambassador to China Chung Chong-wook — are ready to meet their North Korean counterparts to discuss pending inter-Korean issues.
Pyongyang's dire human rights record and nuclear tests have led to its further isolation in its relations with other countries, including China which has been its traditional ally for over half a century.
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