Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) holds talks with South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn who came to visit China and attend the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2016, or the Summer Davos Forum, in Beijing, capital of China, June 28, 2016.

China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) should respect each other's core interests and major concern, and strengthen communication to well maintain the overall situation of their strategic partnership of cooperation, Premier Li Keqiang said Tuesday.

The premier made the remarks in his talks with ROK Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn in Beijing.

Peace and stability in Northeast Asia is important for the region and the world. China is willing to work with all relevant parties for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and for the region's development and prosperity, Li added.

Hwang said the ROK is willing to maintain the general situation of the bilateral relations, strengthen strategic communication with China, and to jointly safeguard peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

With regard to bilateral cooperation, Li urged the two sides to boost cooperation under the bilateral free trade agreement; promote joint research, innovation and entrepreneurship; and expand cooperation in areas such as automobiles, robotics, flat panel displays, new materials, and information communication.

He also called on the two countries to explore financial integration cooperation, support cross-border e-commerce, and boost cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Hwang, hailing the development of the bilateral cooperation in recent years, said the ROK highly values relations with China, and is willing to take the 25th anniversary of ties, next year, as an opportunity to strengthen innovation cooperation and bring the bilateral relations to a new high.

Hwang is in China for the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2016, also known as the Summer Davos Forum, held in Tianjin from June 26 to 28. Hwang's China visit will last from June 26 to June 30.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (3rd L) holds talks with South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn (3rd R) who came to visit China and attend the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2016, or the Summer Davos Forum, in Beijing, capital of China, June 28, 2016.