ANKARA

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang met in Seoul on Sunday to discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation and collaboration on regional and international issues.

The meeting was held ahead of the 9th trilateral dialogue between Asian heavyweights China, Japan, and South Korea, which is set to begin on Monday.

It also marks Li's first visit to South Korea since taking office in March 2023, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.

"I believe that South Korea and China should closely cooperate not only for our bilateral relationship but also for the peace and prosperity of the international community," Yoon said in his opening remarks.

He underscored the importance of collaborating with China to address rising economic uncertainties in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Li, for his part, highlighted the "close" economic relations between the two countries and expressed optimism for further developing ties for "mutual benefit" and a "win-win relationship."

"China wishes to work together with South Korea to become a reliable and good neighbor and supportive partner who help each other succeed," Li said.

Yoon and Li met for the first time in Sept. 2023 in Indonesia, on the sidelines of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit.

This is the first visit by China's No. 2 in nine years, following former Premier Li Keqiang.

Though Beijing is Seoul's largest trading partner, bilateral relations have deteriorated as South Korea's closer alignment with the US under the Yoon administration.