President of Republic of Korea (ROK) Roh Moo-hyun said Friday that ROK and China should cooperate over a long period of time to make contribution to the peace and prosperity in the Northeast Asian area.

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun answers a question from a journalist during an interview at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, June 23, 2003. [Reuters]

Roh made this remarks in an interview with Chinese correspondents stationed in Seoul at the Blue House earlier Friday before his slated China visit from July 7 to July 10.

Roh pointed out that Sino-ROK relations have developed so rapidly that has surprised the world since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries about 11 years ago.

"The exchanges in the political, economic, social and cultural fields have largely increased since 1992," he said.

"The foundation of our ties is deep and there is still great potential to develop our ties further," said Roh, adding "The leaders of our two countries have done much to promote the bilateral ties."

"The economic exchanges between ROK and China are very active, we should take the dual-win approach to make each side gain relatively large benefits," Roh said.

Moreover, Roh held that an amicable cooperation between Seoul and Beijing will do good to the security, peace as well as prosperity of the Northeast Asia.

"In order to realize lasted prosperity and stability, our two countries should also cooperate not only in the economic aspect, but in the security field, and make endeavor to set up a new order in the area," Roh said.

The South Korean president will pay a four-day state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, which is the first one since Roh took office in February.

During the visit, Roh is scheduled to hold summit with Chinese leaders on consolidating trust between the two countries and work out measures to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment. They will also touch on other issues of common concern, including a peaceful resolution to the DPRK nuclear problem.

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