国内英语新闻:Chinese premier hopes for early resumption of six-party talks

BRUSSELS, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- China expected an early resumption of the six-party talks to ease tensions and resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here on Tuesday.

All parties should make joint efforts to ease tensions between the south and the north on the peninsula and strive to resume the six-party talks at an early date, said Wen while meeting South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on the sidelines of the eighth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Brussels.

"This is in the fundamental interests of all parties involved and is conducive to peace and stability in the region," he said.

The six-party talks, a multilateral mechanism designed to peacefully denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, were launched in 2003. The talks involve China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States.

Speaking of the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) Seoul Summit, slated for Nov. 11-12, Wen said it was of great significance for boosting the world economic recovery, adding that China would support South Korea in seeking positive outcomes at the meeting.

Wen said China regards South Korea as a friendly neighbor and an important partner. It also cherished the hard-won mutual understanding and trust between the two countries, believing the bilateral ties could withstand tests and continue to develop.

China would also work with South Korea to boost cooperation in East Asia, Wen added.

Lee appreciated China's support for Seoul G20 summit, saying his country would keep working with China to improve bilateral ties and play an active role in safeguarding peace and stability as well as deepening cooperation within the region.