Chinese Vice President meets with senior DPRK officials

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-18-2008 08:54

Vice President Xi Jinping has been welcomed by senior DPRK officials and Chinese diplomats at Pyongyang airport, where he delivered a speech.

Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) meets  with Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK, June 17, 2008. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

This is Vice President Xi Jinping's first foreign visit since he took office in March, highlighting the significance of this tour.

In a speech at the airport, the vice president expressed best wishes to the DPRK and its people on behalf of China. He said China is willing to work with Pyongyang to contribute to the lasting peace and prosperity of the region.

In the afternoon, Xi Jinping met with Kim Yong Nam, the President of the Presidium of the DPRK's Supreme People's Assembly. Xi said the new Chinese leadership which took office earlier this year highly values the development of Sino-DPRK relations. He stressed that maintaining and developing friendly cooperation with the DPRK is China's firm policy.

Kim Yong Nam said his country is willing to work with China to further improve bilateral relations. He said he hopes China will continue to make new achievements on its way to implementing the Scientific Development Outlook, build a harmonious society and realize national unification.

Later, Xi Jinping held talks with Yang Hyong Sop, Vice President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly. Xi thanked the DPRK for its support on issues such as Taiwan, Tibet and the Beijing Olympics. He also expressed gratitude for aid provided by the DPRK after the Wenchuan earthquake last month.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) talks with Kim  Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), during a meeting in Pyongyang, the DPRK, on June 17, 2008. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Xi Jinping said he hopes the two countries can maintain good momentum in bilateral development, and he put forward five suggestions:

First, the Chinese Communist Party and the DPRK's Labor Party further strengthen their exchanges.

Second, a China-DPRK year of friendship will be held in 2009 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Third, China and the DPRK will have more cooperation in practical fields for the benefit of both countries.

Fourth, cultural exchanges will be promoted.

Fifth, multilateral coordination and cooperation will be enhanced.

The two leaders also attended a signing ceremony for a number of cooperation agreement.

Editor:Xiong Qu