(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-10 23:08

China hopes to accelerate studies on the possibility of a free trade zone with the Republic of Korea (ROK) in order to quickly implement the zone, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday.

During talks with ROK counterpart Han Duck Soo, Wen also urged both countries to expand mutual investment.

Wen said he hoped the two countries would realize the medium and long-term plans and push forward cooperation on environmental protection, energy resources, finance and logistics.

Trade and economic cooperation were important to the comprehensive and cooperative partnership between the two countries, he said.

He said China was happy to see the good momentum in the development of Sino-ROK relations.

China had supported improved relations between the south and north of the Korean peninsula through dialogue and hoped the reconciliation process would make progress.

Wen hoped all sides in the Six-Party talks would realize the second phase plan according to the principle of "action-to-action" so as to implement the agreement in a comprehensive and balanced way and step by step.

Han Duck Soo said the ROK would like to work with China to promote the comprehensive and cooperative partnership, and enhance cooperation on trade, investment, environmental protection and nuclear electricity.

He praised China for its efforts in the Six-Party talks, pledging to work with China to promote the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and safeguard the peace and stability of the region.