Leaders of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) exchanged congratulatory messages on Tuesday on the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The friendly relations between China and the DPRK are deeply rooted and the establishment of diplomatic ties opened a new historic chapter in their bilateral relations, the leaders said in a message sent to top DPRK leaders.

The message was sent by Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), president of the People's Republic of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission of the CPC; Jiang Zemin, chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China; Wu Bangguo, chairman of the National People's Congress; and Wen Jiabao, premier of the State Council.

"With the efforts of the two parties, governments and peoples, the Sino-DPRK relations have achieved great development in various fields, and our friendship has stood the test of time," the Chinese leaders said.

"The two countries trust each other politically, and the traditional friendship has been continuously strengthened. The deepening exchanges and cooperation in the fields of trade, economy and culture have brought significant benefits to the two peoples."

In regional and international affairs, China and the DPRK have cooperated closely in safeguarding peace and stability in the region and the world as a whole, the Chinese leaders noted.

They pledged that China will continue to consolidate and develop its relations with the DPRK.

In a reciprocal message sent to their Chinese counterparts, top DPRK leaders described the establishment of diplomatic relations as a historic event that ushered in a new phase of all-around development in the two countries' traditional friendship.

Thanks to mutual support and cooperation, the friendly relations have been growing in the past 55 years and have effectively promoted the socialist construction in both countries, said the DPRK leaders.

"We believe that the traditional friendly Korean-Chinese relations of cooperation, under common efforts made by the parties, governments and peoples of both countries, will be further consolidated," the DPRK leaders said in the message.

The DPRK message was co-signed by Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the National Defense Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army; Kim Yong Nam, president of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK; and Pak Bong Ju, premier of the DPRK.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing also exchanged greetings with his DPRK counterpart, Paek Nam Sun.

On Wednesday, Chinese President Hu Jintao exchanged congratulations with presidents of Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the three countries.

Hu said in a message to Hungarian President Madl Ferenc that he made a successful visit to Hungary in June. The two countries agreed to promote their relations to a partnership of cooperation, he said.

"I would like to work with you to follow the principles enshrined in the joint declaration and further push ahead mutually beneficial cooperation for the well-being of the two countries and the two peoples," said Hu.

Madl said there has been a long-time friendship between the two peoples and that his country is willing to enhance cooperation with China in various fields.

In his message to Czech President Vaclav Klaus, Hu said Klaus' successful visit to China in April has boosted bilateral relations.

"China is ready to work with the Czech side to bring bilateral ties to a new level on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," said Hu.

Klaus said China has made notable achievements since its reform and opening up drive in the late 1970s. Bilateral relations will continue to develop in a way that will benefit both sides, he said.

In a message to Slovak President Ivan Gashparovic, Hu said better cooperation is the common wish of the two peoples and is in the interests of both countries. China would like to work together with Slovakia to promote bilateral relations.

Gashparovic said the 2003 joint declaration signed by Chinese and Slovakian leaders laid a good foundation for the further development of friendship of the two countries and the two peoples. He expressed belief that the two sides will deepen cooperation in the spirit of the joint declaration.

(Xinhua News Agency October 6, 2004)