Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao shakes hands with the Republic of Korea President Roh Moo-hyun during their meeting in Seoul, capital of the Republic of Korea, yesterday. - Xinhua

Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun on Tuesday afternoon, with both sides pledging to further bilateral ties.

During the meeting, the leaders vowed to strengthen strategic communication and promote mutually beneficial cooperation.

They also agreed to make this year, which marks the 15th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and has been designated the China-South Korea Exchange Year, a turning point for better relations.

"Thanks to the joint efforts in recent years, political trust between China and South Korea has been deepened, exchange and cooperation have been expanded, and coordination in dealing with regional and global affairs has become closer," Wen said.

The ever-closer ties bring tremendous benefits to the peoples of both countries and make a significant contribution to peace and development in the Northeastern Asian region, Wen said.

Roh echoed Wen's comments, saying that through high-level cooperation and fair competition, both countries could achieve development and maintain common interests.

After the meeting, the two leaders attended a signing ceremony of four cooperative documents.

Wen arrived here on Tuesday morning for his first-ever visit as premier to South Korea. He will leave for Japan on Wednesday and is scheduled to conclude his two-nation tour on Friday.