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Consensus on nuclear crisis

China for resolving the issue through dialogue, diplomacy

— PHOTO: AFP

STEPPED-UP DIPLOMACY: South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun (left), with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao in Beijing on Friday.

BEIJING: Chinese President Hu Jintao and his South Korean counterpart, Roh Moo-Hyun, said on Friday they had reached a consensus on stepping up cooperation to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis.

Speaking during a break in talks between the two leaders, they said their countries had cooperated throughout the nuclear standoff.

Mr. Hu said the Chinese Government had articulated its stance on the nuclear test. He reiterated that China's ultimate objective is the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula as it opposes nuclear proliferation.

Peace, stability

The issue of nuclear test needs to be resolved through dialogue and negotiations, and actions that could worsen the situation must be avoided. Peace and stability of the peninsula and northeast Asia must be assured, Mr. Hu told Mr. Roh.

Mr. Roh said his visit to China has ``some special significance.'' South Korea and China are now facing a very important opportunity, and the two nations have cooperated closely to resolve the nuclear issue, Mr. Roh said.

The two leaders held a 40-minute closed-door meeting before the official talks began in the Great Hall of the People. After the meeting, Mr. Hu said he exchanged views with Mr. Roh on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also met Mr. Roh. — Xinhua

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