Chinese Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao attended a banquet held by the embassy of the People's Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance.

Wen said in his speech that the signing of the treaty has laid a solid foundation for the stability and advancement of China's traditional friendly ties with the DPRK, promoted the socialist construction in the two countries and helped maintain regional peace and stability.

Wen stressed that it is the unswevering principle of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government to further consolidate and develop the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Concerted efforts made by the two countries will definitely deepen and develop such friendship, and bring an even brighter future for the two countries in the new century, Wen said.

Ambassador Choe Jin Su described the treaty as "a historical document" signed by Chinese and DPRK leaders of the old generation, saying that the signing of the treaty has uplifted bilateral ties to a new level.

Over the past 40 years, the treaty has contributed greatly to the consolidation and development of the DPRK-China friendship, as well as to the maintenance of peace in northeast Asia and the world at large.

The ambassador stressed that it is the consistent guideline of the Worker's Party of Korea and the DPRK government to strengthen and develop the DPRK-China friendship.

(People's Daily 07/11/2001)