Trust comes first

Big events always inspire great expectations as the Olympic Games does. They are the catalysts for big decisions.

Chinese and South Korean leaders set their eyes on the upcoming big occasions in their countries to promote exchanges between their peoples. During the visit of President Hu Jintao to the Republic of Korea (ROK), the two countries have decided to designate the year 2010 - when Shanghai will host the World Expo - and 2012 - when the Expo will move to Yeosu - for visits to China and ROK, respectively. For the convenience of tourists from the two countries, the two governments have resolved to simplify their visa procedures.

Among the consensuses President Hu and his ROK counterpart Lee Myung-bak have reached, this approach to increase people-to-people exchanges has great potential for the healthy development of bilateral relations.