The remark came after South Korea and China agreed recently to mend relations that had been seriously strained for more than a year over Seoul's decision to host the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system, which Beijing claimed could be used to spy on it.

"Recently, South Korea and China went through difficulties related to Korea's security and peace in Northeast Asia," he said, apparently referring to the THAAD tensions. "Fortunately, the two countries are overcoming it with Oriental wisdom."

The row demanded the two countries come up with strategies for coexistence and co-prosperity in a way that acknowledges each other's security realities and promotes mutual benefits, Lee said. The tensions also reminded the countries of the importance of trust, he said.

"Building on the achievements of the past 25 years, Korea-China relations should prepare for a leap into the future in the next 25 or even 100 years," Lee said.

"With such an attitude, the South Korean government values Korea-China relations. I firmly believe that we will be able to take advantage of the long history between the two countries, our common culture and Oriental wisdom to overcome whatever hardships may come going forward." he said. (Yonhap)