The Presidential couple visits the ROK Pavilion (left). The exterior of the ROK pavilion.

The President, who visited Shanghai from Apr. 30 to May 1 on the occasion of the World Expo held in that city, met with Chinese President Hu Jintao and exchanged thoughts with him on pending issues during a bilateral summit.

At the meeting held on Apr. 30, the two Presidents positively evaluated the continuous development of ties between Korea and China, and agreed to deepen them by expanding the scope of exchanges of high ranking officials in the broader areas of economy, society, culture and education.

They agreed to closely cooperate to realize a bilateral trade volume of US$20 million by 2012 and to expedite the Korea‐China FTA negotiations while stepping up their relative joint studies.

Meanwhile, President Hu said he would lend a hand for Korea''s successful hosting of the G‐20 Seoul Summit in November of this year and the Yeosu World Expo in 2012.

On May 1, the President visited Korean and Chinese pavilions set up at the Shanghai Expo venue.

First of all, he visited the Republic of Korea Corporate Joint Pavilion, built by 12 Korean enterprises, and encouraged the staff members working at the pavilion that seeks to bring to life the future aspects of environment‐friendly green city life.

The President''s next stop, the Republic of Korea Pavilion, drew on the theme of Korea‐China friendship under the catchphrase of "Friendly City, Colorful Life." The edifice’s exterior was decorated with numerous letters of the Korean alphabet, which was viewed positively by visitors.

The ROK pavilion, which opened on May 1, will hold 12 cultural performances every day until the end of the Expo. For the national pavilion day of Korea, May 26, a special performance is being prepared.

Meanwhile, the President expressed his hope for a successful Shanghai Expo while visiting the Chinese pavilion on the same day.

The presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said that Lee''s visit to the Expo would contribute to the enhancement of friendship between Korea and China.

Using the opportunity offered by the Shanghai Expo, the Korean government will do its utmost to promote Korea''s enhanced economic and cultural status, added the office.