Zhang Qiyue, Spokeswoman of Foreign Affairs Ministry of China, expresses here on 28th that China and Korea will hold varied and colorful activities this year in commemoration of 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

This year is 10th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Korea and A Year of Exchanges between the Peoples of China and Korea as well. On 28th Zhang Qiyue revealed the related commemorative and exchanging activities to be respectively held by China and Korea on the routine press conference given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Zhang Qiyue says that in October 2000 when paying a visit to Korea, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji reached a unanimous agreement with Korean President Kim Dae-jung on the issue of holding jointly A Year of Exchanges between the Peoples of China and Korea on the occasion of 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. On March 27th when Korea held the opening ceremony for the Year of Exchanges, Premier Zhu Rongji sent a letter of graduations. On 29th, the Minister of Chinese Cultural Ministry will leave for Seoul to preside over the opening ceremony for the activities on Chinese side. On August 24th, the heads of the two states will send a message of congratulations respectively to the other state for 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Korea.

Zhang Qiyue also reveals that both sides will hold a series of rich and colorful activities such as theatrical performance, trade and economic exchanges and tourism and sightseeing in addition to sending several delegations to the other side. The Chinese side hopes that with these commemorative activities the understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two nations can be further increased and the friendly and mutual-beneficial collaborations between the two countries can be further improved.