Beijing: A group of South Korean presidential envoys has called on China to expedite the process for critical mineral exports and ensure a level playing field for Korean companies to further develop the bilateral economic partnership, Seoul's foreign ministry said Tuesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the special envoys, led by former National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug, made the call during their meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao on Monday. They underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and new industries, as well as the need to ensure stable supply chains.
The delegation is visiting Beijing this week to deliver President Lee Jae Myung's message on bilateral relations with China. They met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday.
"They particularly called for the equal treatment of Korean companies operating in China and swift approval of exports of rare earths and other critical minerals," the ministry said in a press release.
"They also stressed the need to accelerate follow-up negotiations on the South Korea-China free trade agreement in services and investment, and to continue advancing momentum for cooperation in areas such as cultural and content exchanges," it said.
China shared the understanding that the two sides should seek common interests even in the midst of corporate competition, and agreed to create a stable environment for businesses, the ministry said.
The delegation had a luncheon meeting with three former Chinese ambassadors to South Korea -- Ning Fukui, Qiu Guohong, and Xing Haiming -- on the same day.
The two sides discussed bilateral relations, established 33 years ago, and exchanged views on ways to further advance ties, including revitalizing high-level exchanges, enhancing mutual understanding, and promoting economic cooperation.