国内英语新闻:Chinese vice president meets South Korean regional governor

KYONGJU, South Korea, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met South Korean Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Kim Kwanyong here Friday.

    Xi said China and South Korea, with a long history of friendship, have witnessed strong growth in their relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, and the two countries had set up a strategic and cooperative partnership.

    Xi said he met and reached broad consensus with South Korean leaders during the past two days, and made extensive communications with South Korean people from all walks of life.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L, front) meets with Kim Kwan-Yong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor, in Gyeongju, South Korea, Dec. 18, 2009

Xi said his South Korea trip was a success, achieving the expected goal of expanding consensus, promoting friendship and pushing forward cooperation.

    Xi said communications between Chinese and South Korean provinces and cities account for a large part of the bilateral ties. He called on Gyeongsangbuk-do to strengthen communications and deepen cooperation with its Chinese sister province of Henan, and make a positive contribution to the development of ties between the two countries.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R, front) meets with Kim Kwan-Yong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor, in Gyeongju, South Korea, Dec. 18, 2009

    Kim greeted Xi on behalf of the local people. The governor hoped that the economic, cultural and local communications between South Korea and China would be further enhanced by Xi's visit.

    Xi arrived in South Korea Wednesday night after a visit to Japan. He will also visit Myanmar and Cambodia.