Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday said he expected China and South Korea to speed up study of a China-South Korea Free Trade Area (FTA).

"China and South Korea should come up with a win-win FTA proposal at an early date so as to pave the way for the FTA," Wen said in a joint interview with journalists from 19 South Korean news organizations.

The interview came ahead of Wen's South Korea trip scheduled for April 10-11, the first by a Chinese premier in eight years.

China appreciated the fact that South Korea recognized China as a full market economy, Wen said.

China-South Korea trade volume has increased by 26 times since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1992, to US$130 billion in 2006.

"The close trade ties between China and South Korea are based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and complementarity," Wen said.

Wen cited a target set by Chinese President Hu Jintao and South KoreaN President Roh Moon-hyun of trade worth US$200 billion by 2012.

The target was set by Hu and Roh during their meetings in 2005 and 2006.

Hu and Roh also agreed on five investment and trade liberalization measures and defined 12 key areas of cooperation.

"As a result of economic globalization, China-South Korea trade ties have entered a new era, requiring us to expand cooperation, improve quality and cope with challenges together," Wen said.

Wen urged the two countries to work more closely on energy preservation, environmental protection, high-tech and information industry.

Wen also proposed the two countries step up consultations in the framework of the World Trade Organization, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and other international mechanisms.

Wen's two-day visit coincides with the China-South Korea Exchange Year, which includes 47 China-sponsored exchange programs.

Wen will unveil the exchange year with South Korean leaders in Seoul.

"I believe the exchange year will promote cultural exchanges between the two countries," Wen said.

On the six-party talks aimed at resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Wen said the relevant parties should consult further so that a peace mechanism can be established on the peninsula.

In response to a question about the unification of the Korean Peninsula, Wen said it would be up to South Korea and North Korea to resolve the issue "independently and peacefully."

We hope South Korea and North Korea will develop mutual trust and mend ties through negotiation and dialogue.

This is a pre-requisite for independent and peaceful unification, Wen said. "The Chinese government will continue to play a positive role in this regard."

Wen will visit South Korea at the invitation of South Korean President Roh Moon-hyun.

(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2007)