The autumn sky is clear and the air is crisp. In the Seoul Forest Park which is located at the holy water hole at the eastern district of the South Korean capital the endless green rolls out freely and the streams flow with a murmuring sound. In the early morning of August 26, 2008, this green land received Chinese President Hu Jintao, brimming over with the vigor and vitality of China-South Korea friendship.

At about 9:00 a.m. Hu arrived at the Seoul Forest Park where he and his entourage were warmly welcomed by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. Stepping in the woods which is well known as the forest of life where the people of Seoul and the nature breathe together, Hu listened to the introduction of Seoul officials about the five theme parks inside the forest, including the natural ecological forest, cultural and art park, natural experience and learning park, wet land ecological park and Hangang Riverside park.

A tent stage has been built inside the forest. More than 200 Chinese and South Korean youth who are members of the friendly exchange activities cheered up, waving the national flags of the two countries to welcome Hu and Lee. The two heads of state walked on the stage, happily shook hands with the representatives of the youth of the two countries and waved greetings to those who stood around the stage.

The host warmly invited Hu to deliver a speech first.

"I feel very glad to have the opportunity to meet all of you today in this beautiful city of Seoul". The cordial words of Hu excited the youth of the two countries immediately. "The world-acclaimed Beijing Olympic Games just concluded the day before yesterday. We made the Games a big success with the full support of the international community. The government officials and people of all walks of life in South Korea extended great support for the Beijing Olympic Games and many young friends of South Korea participated in the volunteer services for the Games, doing your part for the success of the Beijing Olympics. I would like to take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to all the South Korean friends who have supported the Beijing Olympics," said Hu.

"The day before yesterday marks the 16th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and South Korea. With the joint efforts of both sides, the bilateral relations have made long-term progress in all fields over the past 16 years. The main purpose of my visit to South Korea this time is to exchange in-depth opinions sincerely with the South Korean side on pushing forward the bilateral relations so as to consolidate common ground, enhance friendship, promote cooperation and open a new page of bilateral relations. During my talks with President Lee Myung-bak yesterday afternoon we reached a series of new and important consensus which would build greater space for the bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields," added Hu.

He encouraged with deep feeling the youth of both countries to continue jointly carrying out the tree planting activities. "There is an old saying in China that 'it takes ten years to grow a tree, and a hundred years to foster a talent'", said he. "By such activities we can grow trees and at the same time it is beneficial to fostering talents and has great significance. Your active participation has contributed to improving the environment and increasing the friendship between the people, especially the young people of the two countries. I believe the trees of friendship you plant today will grow up healthily and strong."

"The hope of a nation lies on its youth. The tradition of friendship between China and South Korean needs to be carried forward by the youth of the two countries and the future of bilateral ties rests upon the young people too. To strengthen the exchanges and cooperation between the youth of China and South Korea is a basic project for the development of bilateral ties. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that the Chinese government has decided to invite another 100 South Korean youth to visit China each year. I hope you will perform well your functions as the ambassador of friendship between the two countries and play a positive role of promoting the friendship and cooperation between China and South Korea." The sincere words Hu said in the Seoul Forest Park go deep into the hearts of the audience and reflect the aspirations of the people of both countries.

In his speech, Lee Myung-bak first of all extended warm welcome to the Chinese youth delegation to visit South Korea. He spoke highly of the excellence and success of the Beijing Olympic Games and the hospitality of the Beijing citizens. South Korea and China are neighbors, the people of the two countries feel close to each other psychologically and the trees of friendship planted by the youth of the two countries will contribute to an even better future of the bilateral ties, said Lee.

Among the audiences, there were members of the Chinese youth delegation to South Korea and representatives of the South Korean young volunteers and the South Korean youth participating in the China-South Korea future forest activity. The representatives of the youth of China and South Korea also delivered a speech respectively, expressing their excitement and joy.

Then the two heads of state, accompanied by the youth of the two countries, earthed up and watered a seolcheon-myeon pine tree jointly.

As the activity came to the end, the youth of the two countries clustered around the two heads of state and were reluctant to leave. Fully understanding them, President Hu proposed taking photos with the young people, which made them very glad.

Zhu Meilian, a young Chinese from Hainan province, told the reporter excitedly, "I at last shake hands with President Hu. I'm so excited! It is really significant for the two heads of state to participate in the tree planting activity of the youth of the two countries."

"President Hu is so kind and I am deeply moved. I will never forget his words that ''it takes ten years to grow a tree, and a hundred years to foster a talent'", a South Korean student who studies in China told the reporter enthusiastically.

The youth soars on the green land of hope and the future is shaped by the profound friendship.