North Korea will join China in new efforts to maintain peace and
stability in the region and the world at large.
Visiting Minister of the People's Armed Forces of the DPRK
(North Korea) Kim Il-chol made this statement during Tuesday's
meeting with China's top legislator Wu
Bangguo. Kim said he hopes his visit will promote bilateral
relations.
This year China and North Korea mark their 55th anniversary of
diplomatic relations.
Wu suggested both sides should enhance understanding and trust,
strengthen exchanges and deepen overall cooperation in various
fields. Wu lauded frequent visits by the leaders of the two
countries, saying such interaction ensures long-term and stable
progress in relations.
Kim's visit has drawn keen attention, following so soon after US
National Security Council Adviser Condoleezza Rice's visit to
Beijing last week.
Analysts said that both the United States and North Korea, the
two key players in the nuclear standoff on the Korean Peninsula,
hope to work closely with China to study various proposals and
ensure coordinated steps are taken in addressing the nuclear issue
and related concerns.
Wu, during Tuesday's meeting, also reiterated China's stand on
the nuclear issue, according to a Chinese defense ministry
spokesman.
The fourth round of six-party talks will take place in Beijing
in September, involving North Korea, the United States, China,
South Korea, Japan and Russia.
Kim Jong-il, general secretary of the Central Committee of the
Workers' Party of Korea, paid an unofficial visit to China in
April. He expressed hopes his country would continue to be patient
and flexible and actively participate in the six-party talks
process, and make its own contributions to their progress.
Two days later, US Vice President Dick Cheney arrived.
Kim Il-chol and his delegation arrived in Beijing on Monday at
the invitation of Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan, who is also vice
chairman of the Central Military Commission.
Liao Xilong, director-general of the General Logistics
Department of the People's Liberation Army, also met with Kim
Tuesday morning.
(China Daily July 14, 2004)