China, DPRK announce year of friendship

China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched the "Year of China-DPRK Friendship" yesterday by exchanging congratulatory messages.

President Hu Jintao, in his message, said 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

During the past 60 years, the two countries have consolidated their friendship and cooperative ties, Hu said.