Top legislator meets minister of the People's Armed Forces of DPRK

Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC), said Tuesday that relations between the armies of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) constitute an important part of bilateral relations.

During his meeting with Kim Il Chol, visiting Minister of the People's Armed Forces of the DPRK, Wu expressed the wish that the two sides should continue to step up exchanges and cooperation so as to push forward the all-round development of bilateral relations.

Kim is heading a military delegation to Beijing at the invitation of Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan, who is also vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission.

Cao held talks with Kim on Monday. Liao Xilong, director-general of the General Logistic Department of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), met with Kim Tuesday morning.

Wu explained China's principled stance on the issue of the Korean Peninsula and the nuclear issue of the DPRK. He said China is ready to join hands with the DPRK to make new contributions to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Wu, also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said China and the DPRK share traditional friendship. He noted that in recent years, the leaders of the two countries have kept a frequent exchange of visits. The two countries have enhanced mutual trust in political terms and deepened cooperation in all areas.

Continuous consolidation and development of the friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK are in the interests of both sides, he said. The new leadership of China very much cherished the Sino-DPRK friendship that the older generation of leaders of the two countries had fostered.

Wu said the new Chinese leadership will always uphold the spirit of inheriting traditions, facing to the future, being good neighbors and friends and strengthening cooperation so as to push forward the development of bilateral relations.

Kim thanked Wu for the meeting and highly praised China's achievements in economic and social development. He expressed the hope that through this visit, the two sides will further deepen relations between their countries and their military forces. He said the DPRK is willing to work with China to devote active efforts to maintain regional and world peace and stability.

Chinese State Councilor, Defense Minister and Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission Cao Gangchuan attended the meeting.