Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue said?in Pyongyang?Friday China is committed to consolidating ties with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

In a meeting with Yang Hyong Sop, vice president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Hu said Chinese leaders attach great importance to the bilateral relationship.

It is China's steadfast policy to continuously consolidate and enhance the good neighborliness and friendly cooperation with the DPRK, which will better serve the interests of the two countries and the two peoples, said the Chinese official, who arrived in Pyongyang on Monday at the invitation of the DPRK Foreign Ministry.

Yang said under direct guidance from the leaders of the two nations, bilateral relations have been further consolidated and developed. The DPRK will work with the Chinese side to advance the bilateral cooperation and exchange in all areas.

During the visit, the Chinese official also exchanged views with senior DPRK diplomats on bilateral ties and other issues of common interests.