Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), said it was the will of the DPRK people to develop and consolidate the "long-standing precious DPRK-China friendship," the official KCNA news agency reported Wednesday.

Kim noted that cultural and art exchanges play an important role in promoting the friendship between the peoples of the DPRK and China.

Kim spoke after watching the "The Sentry under Neon Lights" at the Hamhung Grand Theatre in South Humgyong province, the KCNA said, without giving the date.

The drama based on a Chinese story was performed by the State Theatrical Troupe of the DPRK, which received the top leader's order to recreate the drama and perform it this year, the "year of the DPRK-China friendship."

"The drama was acclaimed by the audience for rich ideological contents and high artistry," the KCNA said.

The story, created and filmed in the 1960s in China, reflected the situation of the new China just after the civil war.

Late President Kim Il Sung watched the drama twice during his visit to China and instructed DPRK artists to perform it in the DPRK.

(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2009)