Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), called for strengthened cooperation between China and his country on Monday.

Kim, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission meets with Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu in Pyongyang, February 14, 2011. [Xinhua]

Kim, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission, made the remarks while meeting with Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu.

 

Kim expressed satisfaction over the continuous and smooth development of DPRK-China relations in various fields.

He said this year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between China and the DPRK, and the two countries will jointly organize a series of events and activities to mark the anniversary.

Kim also urged the two nations to maintain close relations and shore up their cooperation.

Meng said friendship and cooperation between China and the DPRK has been growing continuously since the two sides established diplomatic ties more than 60 years ago, citing frequent high-level exchanges, expanded trade and economic cooperation and enhanced cultural exchanges.

The two nations have coordinated well with each other in regional and global affairs, which not only promoted their respective development and safeguarded their common interests, but also contributed a lot to regional peace and stability, Meng said.

Meng arrived in Pyongyang on Sunday at the invitation of the DPRK Minister of People's Security Ju Sang Song.