China asks DPRK, US to maintain contact

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the United States should continue all kinds of contact and exchanges with goodwill and flexibility to convene the next round of six-party talks on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue as early as possible.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan made this remark at a routine news conference in Beijing Tuesday, when commenting on US Congressman Curt Weldon's recent visit to China and DPRK.

Weldon headed a six-member US congressional delegation to visit Pyongyang from Jan. 11-14. After that, his delegation came to China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.

Cheng Siwei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, conferred with Weldon on "overall Sino-US relations, exchanges between the two legislatures as well as other issues of common concern, including the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue," Kong said.

Weldon's visit to DPRK is "conducive to the mutual understanding between DPRK and the U.S., and created a relatively good atmosphere for the early convening of next round six-party talks," Kong said. He also said China welcomes the outcome.

"China will continue to make efforts in this regard as before," the spokesman said.

Source: Xinhua