China, DPRK pledge to enhance ties

PYONGYANG - Kim Jong-il, the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and visiting Vice-Premier Zhang Dejiang pledged on Tuesday to further strengthen the friendly relations between the two neighboring nations.

During a meeting with Kim, Zhang stressed that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, his visit was aimed at conveying the friendly sentiment of the Chinese people to their DPRK counterparts and pushing forward friendly and cooperative relations.

Citing Kim's three trips to China since early last year, Zhang said that the visits and Kim's meetings with President Hu Jintao had further enhanced bilateral relations.