Beijing expressed willingness on Friday to work with Seoul to stay committed to good-neighborliness and friendship, stick to the goal of mutual benefits, and push the bilateral strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks as the two countries are set to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties on Sunday.

Calling the two countries neighbors that cannot be separated, Mao told a daily news briefing that the rapid development of their ties has proven that the sound, steady, and ever-deepening China-Republic of Korea relationship serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

It also contributes to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity, she added.

China stands ready to work with the ROK to stay true to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations and work to bring more benefits to the two peoples, Mao said.