Korea and China Discussed Closely Nuclear Issue by Telephone

President Roh had a phone conversation with Chinese Premier Hu Jin Tao in the morning of May 2nd and shared the view that the tri-lateral meeting between the North Korea, the U.S. and China recently held in Beijing was very useful and agreed to further maintain a close cooperation to resolve the nuclear issue in a peaceful manner, told the Blue House Representative Song Kyung-hee.

Premier Hu said, “China has been always supporting peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue and non-proliferation on the Korean Peninsula, and there will be no change in our attitude. At the same time, it is in our interest that we contribute to resolving such issue since it is closely related with making peace in Asia and the world. “

President Roh responded, “It is a very good thing that China and Korea see eye to eye on that problem. Chinese efforts toward peace on the Korean Peninsula as well as North East Asia will be highly valued in history.”

President Roh also sent his words of consolation to the Premier for Chinese people suffering from the rapidly-spreading disease SARS. The two states decided to closely cooperate with each other to eradicate the disease as soon as possible.

President Roh expressed his gratitude for being invited to China saying, “I would like to visit you as soon as possible”. Premier Hu answered, “I will be looking forward to your visit.” The conversation was initiated by President Roh and continued for about 18 minutes from 11 O`clock in the morning.

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com