S Korean ruling party leader meets with Chinese ambassador

South Korea's ruling party leader on Monday met with Chinese Ambassador Qiu Guohong, talking about the unprecedented development of bilateral relations.

The top Chinese diplomat in Seoul visited the parliamentary office of Kim Moo-sung, who was elected new leader of the ruling Saenuri Party during last month's party convention.

Kim said during the meeting that South Korea and China achieved an unprecedented development of bilateral relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1992, noting that it was based on the spirit of mutual respect and equal benefit.

Kim expressed his hope for more active exchange between politicians of the two countries as well as exchange between governments.

Touching on the ongoing negotiations for the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), Kim said both countries are important economic partners, hoping both sides reach a better conclusion by considering sensitive issues to each other.

Qiu said political relations between China and South Korea were qualitatively improved after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Seoul in July.

Trading volume of the two countries is very big and serves as a major pivot to the global economy, the diplomat said, adding that if a high level of free trade pact is reached between the two neighbors, it will provide great support for bilateral trade cooperation.