BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held a phone conversation with newly-elected South Korean President Moon Jae-in here on Thursday.

Congratulating Moon on his election as South Korean president, Xi said that China and South Korea are close neighbors as well as important players in the region.

Since the two countries established diplomatic relations 25 years ago, their ties have witnessed enormous achievements that deserve to be cherished, Xi said.

Both sides should respect each other's legitimate interests and try best to seek common ground and handle disputes properly, Xi said.

He also expressed the hope that the new South Korean government would be mindful of China's major concerns, and take concrete actions to secure a steady and healthy development of bilateral ties.

Stronger China-South Korea relations serve the common interests of both peoples, and are conducive to regional peace, stability and development, Xi said.

He reiterated that the Chinese side has long stuck to the goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, safeguarding the Peninsula's peace and stability, and solving problems through dialogue and negotiation.

For his part, Moon said South Korea attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to work with the Chinese side to develop bilateral ties and push forward their strategic cooperative partnership.

He said he fully understands the major concerns of China and will negotiate with the Chinese side to seek a solution.

South Korea is willing to work with China to realize the goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through measures such as restarting the six-party talks as early as possible, the new president said.

South Korea is highly appreciative of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, and expects it to bring prosperity to countries and regions along its routes, including South Korea and China, Moon said.

Both leaders agreed to maintain contact and meet at an early date.