On October 19, President Jiang Zemin met with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Kim Dae-jung in Shanghai.

Kim expressed appreciation for China's efforts to make this year's APEC meetings successful, saying that under the current circumstances, this is a very important gathering which will definitely turn out to be a great success.

The year 2002 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and ROK, Kim said, noting that the two nations have made remarkable progress in developing bilateral relations.

He spoke highly of China's rapid economic development and said that ROK is willing to join the Chinese side in developing Sino- ROK friendly cooperation.

Kim also expressed appreciation and heartfelt thanks for the efforts made by Jiang and the Chinese government for maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The Chinese president said that China is satisfied with the overall development of Sino-ROK relations.

He expressed gratitude for ROK's support for China's accession to the World Trade Organization and Beijing's bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games.

ROK's successful experience in economic development is useful to China which is pushing ahead with its reform, opening-up and modernization drive, Jiang said, adding that China is willing to increase exchanges and cooperation with ROK.

China will take the opportunity of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-ROK diplomatic relations to advance the cooperative partnership between the two sides, Jiang said.

Jiang said that China, a close neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, has paid close attention to the situation on the peninsula.

He expressed appreciation for the ROK president's efforts aimed at bringing about a peaceful reunification on the peninsula, saying that China supports the improvement of relations on the  peninsula and the final realization of peaceful reunification  there without outside interference.

Jiang also made clear his views on the economic situation in  Asia and the world as a whole after the September 11 terrorist  attacks in the United States.