Kim Jong-il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), on Saturday met with Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi, head of a visiting Chinese government delegation.

During the meeting at the Guesthouse of Paekhwawon in Pyongyang, Wu conveyed to Kim an oral message from Chinese President Hu Jintao.

In the message, Hu expressed his congratulation on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). He also hoped the DPRK people would make greater progress in building the country.

"We are willing to make unremitting efforts together with the DPRK to push forward the traditional friendship under the new circumstance," Hu said.

Kim Jong-il said the fact that China sent a government delegation to mark the 60th anniversary of the WPK's founding showed that the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government attach high importance to bilateral ties.

Kim said the DPRK will never forget the unselfish aid provided by the Chinese side.

China's development makes important contribution to peace and stability of the region and the world as a whole, the leader said, adding that the DPRK will firmly support the one-China policy on the Taiwan issue.

Wu spoke highly of the traditional China-DPRK friendship, saying China is willing to push it to a higher level.

Earlier in the day, Wu met with DPRK Premier Pak Bong-ju. She also paid tribute to the DPRK's late leader Kim Il-sung at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace.

Wu arrived in Pyongyang on Saturday for a three-day official goodwill visit with a delegation grouping Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai.

Source: Xinhua