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BEIJING, June 29-- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday called on China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to uphold the multilateralism and free trade system against the backdrop of a trend of protectionism, unilateralism, and deglobalization. Li made the remarks when meeting with ROK representatives who attended the first round of Sino-ROK Entrepreneurs and Former High-level Officials Dialogue held Friday in Beijing. Noting that China and the ROK are neighbors and important partners, Li said bilateral ties have improved and developed while the regional situation has ameliorated, thus the two countries are facing new opportunities to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation. As major economies in the region and the world, China and the ROK should jointly uphold the multilateralism and the free trade system and boost the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment amid the trend of protectionism, unilateralism, and deglobalization, said Li. He expressed the hope that both sides will steadily forge ahead the China-Japan-ROK free trade agreement talks in line with the consensus reached at the China-Japan-ROK leaders' meeting held in Japan in May so as to inject confidence and vitality into the economies of two countries, the region, and the world. China and the ROK have complementary development advantages, while enterprises from both countries enjoy a sound foundation of cooperation and broad prospects, said Li. | 
