Kim Jong Il: DPRK-China ties should be strengthened

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met Kim Jong Il, the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Tuesday during his visit to Pyongyang.

During the meeting, Yang conveyed to the North Korean leader a message and greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao.

The long-standing bilateral relations between China and North Korea were hurt by Pyongyang's nuclear test last year, which is likely to be why Kim agreed to meet with the Chinese minister, according to political analyst Zhang Liangui from the Central Party School in Beijing.

At the meeting, Yang said that cooperation between the two countries has been developing smoothly and that China is willing to work to further promote the ties.

Kim agreed saying that the traditional friendship between two countries is a valuable legacy from previous leaders and that bilateral ties should be strengthened.

On the issue of the North Korean nuclear program, Yang called for peaceful means and dialog to resolve the matter. He also said he hoped all parties would fulfill their commitments and push forward the six-party talks.

Kim said the tension on the Korean Peninsula has eased and that all parties concerned should take initial actions to make progress on the issue. So far negotiations have been stalled by North Korea's refusal to shut down its main nuclear reactor before it receives some of the fuel aid promised by the members of the six-party talks in return for disarmament.

China has been active in trying to resolve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and Kim said the DPRK is willing to continue work with China on the issue.

Economic cooperation was also a topic of discussion, with Yang asserting that it plays an important part in bilateral relations. North Korea is an especially significant source of raw material for China's booming economy. The minister added that China will help North Korea achieve development in the fields of agriculture, light industry, natural resources, information industry and technology.

Kim said the DPRK is willing to work with China to boost trade ties on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

Yang arrived in Pyongyang on Monday for a three-day visit.