Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping arrived?in Pyongyang on Tuesday morning on an official good-will visit to North Korea.

During his three-day visit to?North Korea, Xi will meet with leaders of the country to exchange views on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern.

This is the first overseas visit that Xi made since he assumed office earlier this year.

Xi was greeted by Yang Hyong Sop, vice president of the Presidium of Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea, at the airport.

In a statement released at the airport, Xi said under the care of top leaders of both countries and by joint efforts of the two sides, relations between China and North Korea, the friendly neighbors connected by land and rivers, have been moving forward.

He said it is the firm and unchangeable policy of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government to continuously consolidate and develop China-North Korea?friendly and cooperative relations.

China is willing to join hands with?North Korea?to further bilateral exchanges and cooperation in all fields so as to benefit the two peoples and make greater contribution to the lasting peace and common prosperity of the region, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2008)