Beijing: President Lee Jae Myung told Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday that he is committed to transforming the restoration of ties between Seoul and Beijing into an irreversible trend. He also expressed hope for Li's involvement in fostering peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting between Lee and Li, who is China's second-highest-ranking official, took place a day after Lee's summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the summit, both leaders emphasized the significance of resuming dialogues with North Korea and agreed to enhance economic collaboration.

Lee articulated his vision during the meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, stating, "Through this visit, (we) intend to make this year the first year of full restoration of Korea-China relations and firmly establish the development of bilateral ties as an irreversible trend of the times." He further highlighted the consensus reached with Xi to advance their "strategic cooperative partnership relationship" in a manner that benefits people's livelihoods and promotes peace.

Lee also sought Li's support in strengthening bilateral relations, acknowledging his role as China's leading official on economic policy and as the counterpart for a trilateral summit with Japan, which includes Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. "I hope that our two countries will expand horizontal and mutually beneficial cooperation in line with the changing times, promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, and move forward together on a path of pragmatism and shared prosperity," Lee remarked.

In response, Li emphasized China's appreciation of its relationship with South Korea and expressed a willingness to enhance strategic communication and political trust. He pledged to lead efforts in expanding and deepening cooperation to improve the welfare of the people in both nations.

This meeting marks the third encounter between Lee and Li, following discussions at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Malaysia in October and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea the subsequent month.