UN nearing deal on North Korea sanctions

Chinese President Hu Jintao and President Roh Moo-hyun of the Republic of Korea (ROK) held talks in Beijing Friday morning, reaching "important" consensus on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. (Full Coverage on North Korea Nuclear Crisis) 

South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun (L) meets China's President Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing October 13, 2006. Leaders of China and South Korea meet on Friday to find a response to Pyongyang's nuclear defiance. [Reuters]

Hu and Roh had a 40-minute close-door meeting before the official talks in the Great Hall of the People.

After the meeting, Hu said that he exchanged views with Roh on bilateral relations and other regional and international issues including the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

They have reached many important consensus on the issues, Hu said.

Roh said that his visit to China, which signifies closer bilateral ties, has "some special meanings."

The ROK and China are now facing a very important opportunity, and the two nations have maintained close consultation and cooperation to resolve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Roh said, expressing his hope to further strengthen the cooperation.

This is Roh's second visit to China since he took office in 2003. He came following the nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on October 9, which sparked strong international reaction and set off moves at the United Nations to impose sanctions on the country.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also met with Roh Friday afternoon following the meeting between Roh and Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo.

Noting the situation in Northeast Asia has just seen a "new" event, Wen said that the two countries should further promote cooperation in the region.

"China and the ROK share common interests and understanding, and should strengthen cooperation to safeguard regional peace and stability," Wen said.