China and the Republic of Korea on Tuesday agreed to upgrade their "comprehensive and cooperative partnership" to "strategic cooperative partnership".

The agreement came out of the two-hour summit talks by Chinese president Hu Jintao and the ROK President Lee Myung-bak, who is on his first state visit to China since taking office on February.

Hu hailed Lee's visit and said it would "elevate China-ROK relations to a new high".

"To respond to the call of the development of the two countries' current and future relationship, the two parties decide to upgrade bilateral ties to 'strategic cooperative partnership'."

Hu Jintao said the establishment of a strategic cooperative partnership will usher in a new era of bilateral ties. Under the new strategic partnership agreement, China and ROK will step up solidarity and deepen political trust as well as keep frequent exchanges at all levels and communicate on major issues of common concern.

For his part, Lee Myung-bak said his country attaches great importance on boosting ROK-China relationship.

"ROK and China will strengthen cooperation in the fields such as diplomacy, security, economics and culture. We will work more closely on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue and other international issues. We agree to hold regular strategic dialogue to virtually develop bilateral relations."

Lee also expressed condolences to the Chinese government and people for the recent devastating earthquake. He said he believed a united Chinese people would prevail over the disaster and rebuild their homes in the near future.

At the same time, Lee confirmed his attendance at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games this August.

After the talks, Hu and Lee witnessed the signing of three bilateral treaties on justice, education and science and technology.

In the following joint press conference, Hu said he would visit the ROK at a "convenient time" for both sides in the second half of this year.