For both China and South Korea, August 24, 1992 is an important date to remember. It is on this day that the two governments entered into full diplomatic relations. Now, 15 years later, with ties having developed into a "comprehensive cooperative partnership," the two nations can look back with a sense of immense satisfaction over what they have gained: a close strategic alliance, fruitful economic and cultural interactions and greater contributions to peace and stability in the Northeast Asian region.

Though in close geographical proximity, China and South Korea had long been estranged from one another during the reign of the Cold War. With radical changes in global political and economic arenas in the early 1990s, both countries recognized the need to forge a closer and mutually beneficial relationship. This resulted in the resolute and visionary decision to establish bilateral diplomatic ties. In retrospect, it was a wise decision, and one that has met the aspirations and well-being of both countries.

China and South Korea share much common ground. Both were enslaved back in the colonial era and suffered bitterly from external aggression, both are experiencing lack of territorial unity, and both are desirous of maintaining peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. In addition, the two countries boast complimentary economic structures, and share similar cultural traditions, philosophies, outlooks and lifestyles. All these may help explain the rapid and exuberant growth of bilateral relations.

There are other areas of cooperation that have further bound the countries together. Not only have they held identical or similar stands on many major international and regional issues, including the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula, but they have harvested tremendous benefits through exchange of high-level visits, economic cooperation and cultural interchanges.

In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations, the two countries have launched 2007 as the "Year of Exchange between China and South Korea." A wide range of events has been scheduled for this year, including cultural shows, film screenings, art exhibitions, seminars, sports and training programs. These activities are sure to heat up the already warm ties and enhance the deepening friendship and cooperation in the future.

On August 9, South Korea announced that President Roh Moo Hyun will hold a summit meeting with his North Korean counterpart Kim Jung Il in Pyongyang later this month, for which an official preparatory meeting has already been held. Like the first summit seven years ago, the two leaders are expected to speed up the peace process on the Korean Peninsula and pursue closer cooperative ties between the two countries. We congratulate the reconciliatory and constructive initiatives of both sides and wish the two Koreas success in their peaceful reunification efforts, which will obviously contribute to a long-time peace and prosperity in the region.