Moon congratulates Xi's re-election as the CPC's head

President Moon Jae-in has sent a congratulatory message to Chinese President Xi Jinping on his reelection as general secretary of the Communist Party of China. “I hope to meet you again in the near future and look forward to deepening relations between our two countries, which celebrate 25 years of diplomatic ties this year,” said President Moon in his letter on Wednesday. Moon’s proposal comes as a gesture of thaw, building upon improved relations between the two countries following the extension of the Korea-China currency swap.

“I sincerely hope that your ‘Dream of China’ will be accomplished under your leadership and look forward to your further contribution to building peace and joint prosperity of Northeast Asia as well as the international community,” Moon added in the message.

With key upcoming international events, including the APEC Summit and ASEAN+3 in the Philippines next month, as well as President Moon’s visit to China within this year, the Korean government is looking forward to closer relations with China.

On the same day, President Moon hosted a ceremony for appointing ambassadors to the United States, China, Japan and Russia. “Diplomatic relationship with these four key countries is the basis of our foreign policy,” said the president. “Building good relations with these nations is more important than ever, as we endeavor to resolve the North Korea nuclear issue, build peace on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.”

“The ambassadors are capable of representing the philosophy of the government. It is necessary to have capable people with political criteria,” he emphasized in response to criticism of appointing non-career diplomats as ambassadors to the four countries.