Gyeongju, Nov 1 (NationPress) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung engaged in his inaugural summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday, expressing optimism about enhancing strategic dialogue to collaborate on reviving discussions with North Korea.

Lee welcomed Xi's first visit to South Korea in over a decade for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit held in Gyeongju, expressing hopes that their meeting would set a foundation for meaningful outcomes beneficial to the citizens of both nations.

The South Korean leader highlighted the recent uptick in high-level exchanges between China and North Korea, viewing it as a positive development that could facilitate renewed engagement with Pyongyang.

"I hope that the Republic of Korea and China will enhance their strategic communication, leverage these circumstances, and strive to restart dialogue with North Korea," he stated in his opening remarks, referring to South Korea's official designation.

"The significance of regional security cannot be overstated," he emphasized.

Discussing economic relations, Lee remarked that bilateral economic cooperation has transitioned from a vertical structure to a horizontal one, stressing the importance of establishing a mutually beneficial relationship, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

Xi affirmed China's commitment to its relationship with South Korea, promising to uphold policy consistency and stability, and expressing Beijing's intention to deepen communication with Seoul.

"(China) is prepared to enhance communication with South Korea, tackle challenges collaboratively, and foster the stable and long-term development of our bilateral strategic relationship, contributing positively to peace and development in the region," Xi articulated through a translator.

Describing South Korea and China as close neighbors and inseparable partners in cooperation, Xi noted that the two nations have achieved co-prosperity through ongoing exchanges and collaboration.

"Advancing the healthy and stable development of China-South Korea relations has consistently aligned with the interests of both peoples and resonates with the spirit of our times," he stated.