The President is scheduled to make a state visit to the People’s Republic of China, January 9-11, at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao. During his second state visit to China this time, The President will hold a summit with President Hu Jintao and attend a state dinner.

The President will meet with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, which will be followed by dinner, and also with Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. The President will also have a meeting with contributors in establishing diplomatic ties between Korea and China, and attend an event hosted by business leaders from both sides.

On the occasion of the visit this time, the two Presidents will have an in-depth discussion on how to upgrade the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries and work together for the sake of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. On top of this, the two heads of state are expected to exchange a wide range of ideas on ways to collaborate at the regional and international levels.

This will be The President’s first overseas visit this year, and for China, The President will be the first foreign leader to visit China. It is expected that this state visit in the year celebrating the 20th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic ties will serve as a milestone for enhanced cooperation and exchanges between the two neighbors.