Chinese, DPRK premiers hold talks on plan to boost ties

Kim said the DPRK valued its traditional friendship with China and would use the "China-DPRK Friendship Year" to expand cooperation in all areas.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L3) holds talks with his  counterpart of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea  (DPRK) Kim Yong Il (R2) at the Great Hall of the People  in Beijing, capital of China, March 18, 2009.  (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

Kim is on an official goodwill visit to China and to attend a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the China-DPRK diplomatic relationship and the launch of the China-DPRK Friendship Year in Beijing.

Wen asked Kim to convey his greetings to DPRK leaders.

Wen said China and the DPRK were good neighbors and shared a profound friendship.