Moon arrived here late Friday as part of his four-day state visit. While in Beijing, he met Chinese President Xi Jinping for their third bilateral summit, followed by talks with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang and Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

"I realize Chongqing is not only a city of long history but also a very important city that will lead the future of China," the South Korean leader said in his meeting with Chen over lunch.

Moon was the first South Korean president ever to visit the southwestern Chinese city.

His meeting with Chen followed a brief visit to the former office of the South Korean provisional government, which operated in China during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule of Korea.

"I deeply appreciate the fact that the government of Chongqing has taken enormous efforts to help protect the historical sites of our independence movement," Moon said.

Chen noted Moon's trip to Chongqing highlighted the long history and significance of friendship between the two countries.

"I believe your visit to China, especially Chongqing, this time has a very special meaning. That is because it can commemorate our historical relationship, mutual friendship and other memorable events of the past and also help strengthen our business cooperation," he said through his interpreter, according to Cheong Wa Dae pool reports.

The South Korean president was set to return home later Saturday. (Yonhap)