Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to begin a state visit to South Korea on Thursday. He’s scheduled to meet with his South Korean counterpart Park Guen-hye. The two leaders are then expected to jointly oversee the signing of up to 12 agreements and issue a joint document.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is to pay a state visit to South Korea on Thursday and Friday. This is President Xi’s first official visit to South Korea since he took office last year.

Analysts belive the visit is aimed at outlining future development of bilateral ties, adding impetus to economic and cultural cooperation, and promoting regional peace and stability.

In particular the two sides are expected to greatly advance the negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement. The FTA, when finalzed could help both sides combine their market strengths and boost regional economic integration.

In the face of the ever changing international and regional situation, both sides also felt the need to further strenghen strategic communication.

During the two-day visit, President Xi will also exchange views with Park Guen-hye on the situation in northeast Asia. Peace and stability of the area is an issue that is closely related to the core interests of both countries.

"Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula has been an issue among the neighboring countries and international community for a long time. During President Xi’s visit there, the two leaders will exchange views on the issue, in particular, the early resumption of the six-party talks," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin said.

"It has been proved that peaceful negotiation is the only way forward for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and peace and stability in northeast Asia. Consensus on the issue will be reflected in the joint document between China and the ROK."