China hails Park's remarks calling for enhanced bilateral ties

China on Tuesday praised remarks by South Korean President Park Geun-hye that Seoul is committed to enhancing bilateral relations with Beijing, saying it would help promote peace and stability in the region.

   In her New Year's press conference on Monday, Park urged China to further improve bilateral ties. Park held a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping last June during her state visit.

   "China highly commends the relevant statement by President Park Geun-hye," China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said during a daily briefing when asked about Park's remarks.

   During the June summit, Hua said, "The two leaders reached an agreement on enriching the China-ROK (South Korea) strategic cooperative partnership."

   "China and the ROK are important neighbors to each other," Hua said, adding that enhancing the bilateral relationship "will make contributions to peace and stability in the region." (Yonhap News)