China's ambassador to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) paid respects to the late DPRK leader Kim Jong Il on Wednesday by laying wreaths from numerous Chinese state entities in front of his bier.

Ambassador Liu Hongcai laid the wreaths at Kim's bier in Kumsusan Memorial Palace on behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Standing Committee of National People's Congress, and the State Council.

Wreaths also were laid for Kim on behalf of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Central Military Commission.

Liu said President Hu Jintao and other Chinese leaders expressed the deep condolences from the CPC, the Chinese government, and the Chinese people for Kim's death.

To consolidate and develop the friendly China-DPRK cooperation is the consistent guideline of the Chinese party and government. The traditional China-DPRK friendship would be inherited through generations. The Chinese embassy to DPRK would strengthen communication and cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well, Liu said.

Kim Song Gi, vice minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK, accompanied the ambassador and the embassy staff.

Kim Song Gi appreciated the condolences from Hu Jintao and other Chinese leaders and the wreaths, which expressed the deep friendship form China party, government and people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would keep close cooperation with the Chinese side to make efforts to consolidate and develop China-DPRK friendship.

Kim Jong Il passed away from a great mental and physical strain at 08:30 Dec. 17, 2011, on train during an inspection tour, the official new agency KCNA reported on Dec. 19.