National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun on Wednesday held talks with the Chinese ambassador to Seoul and discussed ways to beef up bilateral ties between the two neighboring countries.

"South Korea and China have been developing their friendship since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992. The free trade agreement between the two also helped build up the connection," Chung said during the meeting with Ambassador Qiu Guohong.

Chung also said Korea wishes to expand ties with China in various sectors including economy, politics, diplomacy and culture.

The parliament speaker then said he will focus on supporting policies that can promote two-way tourism and make it easier for Chinese visitors to enjoy South Korea's hospitality.

Qiu echoed the speaker's view on expanding cooperation and said he wished to deliver a congratulatory message from Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, on Chung's appointment as the parliament speaker. (Yonhap)