Kim Jong Il (C Front), top leader of North Korea, and visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (3rd L Front) pose for a group photo ahead of their meeting in Pyongyang, June 18, 2008. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)  

Noting that the country is to mark the 60th anniversary of its founding this year, he expressed his warm congratulations on the occasion and extended the wish that North Korean people continue to make greater achievements in all causes in the future.

He also said China will continue to play a constructive role in the six-party talks on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

While meeting Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea, Xi said it is the firm and unchangeable policy of the CPC and the Chinese government to continuously consolidate and develop the friendly and cooperative relations with North Korea.

At a meeting with Yang Hyong Sop, he made a five-point proposal to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation with North Korea, including strengthening mutual exchange of visits by high-level officials of the two countries.

North Korea is the first leg of Xi's first overseas visit since he assumed office earlier this year.

After Mongolia, he will also visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Yemen.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2008)