South Korea is in talks with China to set up President Park Geun-hye's visit to Beijing at an early date, Seoul's top diplomat was quoted by the Yonhap News Agency as saying Sunday.

Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, who made the remark while appearing on KBS television, added that the trip, if made, could yield much bigger outcomes than expected.

Yun also stressed that Beijing has been more cooperative than ever of late about ending North Korea's nuclear programs, adding that changes in China's attitude are palpable.

China took an active part in the process when the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on North Korea in March and it has since been very cooperative about implementing sanctions, he said.

In particular, China's move to impose sanctions on the North's Foreign Trade Bank had great meaning, he said.

China has asked many times for the newly-elected South Korean president for a visit as early as possible, and the two sides have been in talks to set up a trip in keeping with this wish, Yun said, adding that Park's visit to China would come before fall at the latest.

China has been very favorable toward Park since her December election, the diplomat said.

Park, who was sworn in to become South Korea's first female president in February, just wrapped up her first visit to the US last week.

Global Times - Agencies