SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The leaders' meeting between South Korea and China provides fresh impetus for improving bilateral ties, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung told a New Year press conference here on Wednesday.

Mentioning his state visit to China earlier this month, Lee said the Chinese side had extended warm hospitality, as witnessed by people from both countries.

Lee said he was confident that new ways of shaping bilateral relations could generate mutually beneficial cooperation between South Korea and China.

He also highlighted the importance of cooperation on the economic and diplomatic fronts, possibilities of cooperation in security and stronger mutual trust, as well as expanded people-to-people exchanges through culture and tourism. ■