On September 7, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai with his counterpart from the Republic of Korea (ROK), Han Seung Soo, who is here for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympic Games.

"I hope the staging of the Paralympics will encourage and help the disabled to better participate in social life, raise public awareness of dedication and service and spread love and smile," Wen said.

Wen said China-ROK high-level visits enhanced mutual trust and cemented the political foundation for a long-term, stable relationship. Wen said China would like to step up cooperation on environmental protection, communications, finance, logistics and energy with the ROK. He also pledged to accelerate the process of establishing a China-ROK Free Trade Area and share experience on industrial restructuring so as to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results of the two economies in sustainable development.

Han said China managed to put on successful Olympics and Paralympics in the wake of the 8.0-magnitude earthquake that devastated China's western province of Sichuan on May 12, adding that China’s relentless efforts are admired by the international community. Han said that the ROK would like to work more closely with China to carry out consensus reached by leaders of both nations and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas so as to push forward bilateral ties. He also hailed China's important role in promoting the six-party talks.