Chief Executive Edmund Ho expected stronger ties and cooperation between Macao and South Korea as he begins his official visit in Seoul today (15 Oct).

The Chief Executive met with South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trades, Choi Sung-hong shortly after his arrival this afternoon. He praised South Korea¡¦s rapid recovery from the Asian economic crisis and the success in hosting the World Cup and the Asian Games, adding that South Korea's experience in organizing international sports events is valuable to Macao.

Edmund Ho said that in accordance to the foreign policy of the Central Government, Macao would continue the friendly relation with South Korea which established diplomatic relations with China a decade ago.

He said that Macao could be a platform for South Korean enterprises to enter the Chinese Market, especially the Pearl River Delta.

Edmund Ho also said that both governments had agreed to extend the visa free entry period to passport holders of each country from 30 days to 90 days.

Minister Choi Sung-hong said that South Korea was concerned about the development of Macao after the SAR was established, and was impressed by the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" principle in Macao. He said that a closer relation would encourage more South Korean entrepreneurs to actively participate in the development of Macao.

The President of the Macao SAR Legislative Assembly, Susana Chou, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Francis Tam, the Chinese Ambassador in South Korea, Li Bin and the Consul General of South Korea in Hong Kong and Macao, Kang Kuen-Taik also attended the meeting.

The Chief Executive, Edmund Ho will meet with President of South Korea, Kim Dae-jung tomorrow and will officiate at the opening of the ¡§Macao Week¡¨ in Seoul.