The defense ministers of China and South Korea Thursday stressed the importance of further developing exchange and cooperation to promote the military ties between the two countries.

During the meeting, Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian and his South Korean counterpart Cho Sung-tae exchanged opinions over the international and Asian-Pacific situation, the development of bilateral military ties and other issues of common concern. Cho said enhancing South Korean-Chinese military relations will help increase mutual trust and understanding, which is also beneficial to the security and stability on the Korean peninsula.

Meanwhile, Chi said China and South Korea are close neighbors enjoying a long history of friendly contacts and sharing common understandings, and the continued development of the Sino-South Korean partnership of cooperation oriented toward the 21st century is in the fundamental interest of the two countries and helpful to peace and stability in the Asian-Pacific region.

China and South Korea established the partnership of cooperation oriented toward the 21st century when South Korean President Kim Dae-jung visited China in 1998.

After the meeting, Chi met South Korean Foreign and Trade Minister Lee Joung-binn and visited Samsung Electronics Corp. and inspected South Korean military units and facilities.

The Chinese defense minister arrived here Wednesday for a five-day official good-will visit at Cho's invitation.

President Kim Dae-jung Wednesday received Chi, who is also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor.

Chi's South Korea tour is the first visit ever by a Chinese defense minister since China and South Korea established diplomatic ties in 1992.

South Korea is the third leg of his four-state official good-will tour which has taken him to Britain and Russia. He is also scheduled to visit Mongolia.