On August 25, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Seoul, capital of the Republic of Korea (ROK), for a state visit to the country.

At 12:00 local time, Hu's special plane arrived at an airport of Seoul. He was warmly welcomed by Yu Myung-hwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea, and other officials.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Hu, on behalf of the Chinese people, extended sincere regards and best wishes to the ROK people. Hu pointed out that the two countries are friendly neighbors and the friendship between the two peoples goes back to ancient times. President Hu said that since China and ROK established diplomatic relations 16 years ago, the foundation of friendship between the two countries has been consolidated continuously and cooperation in various sectors has been expanded rapidly.  "All these have brought tangible benefits to the peoples of the two countries, and have contributed positively to regional peace and development," said the president.

On the aim of his current visit, the Chinese president said he will exchange views in a candid and in-depth manner with his ROK counterpart Lee Myung-bak and other ROK leaders on ways of furthering bilateral ties so as to consolidate the consensus, promote friendship, boost cooperation, and work together to open up new prospects for bilateral ties.  In his speech, President Hu expressed thanks for the active support the ROK government and people have rendered for the just-concluded Beijing Olympic Games.  He also congratulated ROK athletes on their outstanding performances at the games.

Ling Jihua, Wang Huning, Dai Bingguo and other accompanying officials arrived by the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to ROK Ning Fukui and the staff of the embassy also greeted the Chinese delegation at the airport.

Seoul is the first leg of Hu's three-nation tour, which will also take him to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. In the Tajik capital of Dushanbe, he will attend the eighth annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization scheduled to be held on August 28.