China's top legislator Wu Bangguo said in Pyongyang Wednesday that adherence to dialogue should be the correct direction in resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remarks while holding talks with Kim Yong Nam, president of the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Stating China's views on the nuclear issue, Wu, also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, said the tri-party talks and the later six-party talks have played an important role in avoiding further deterioration of the situation.

The nuclear issue is very complicated, he said. However, no matter how difficult it would be, or what turns and twists it may go through, adherence to dialogue should be the only correct direction in resolving the issue.

Kim made positive comments on China's role in seeking a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue, and expounded on the DPRK's principled stance.

Both leaders also exchanged views on bilateral relations and spoke highly of their development.

Wu said the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK is the precious treasure for the two peoples.

Stressing that China-DPRK relations keep occupying an important position in China's external relations, Wu noted that the new Chinese leadership will inherit the traditional China-DPRK friendship and continue its friendly policy toward the DPRK.

The new leadership, Wu added, is willing to make joint efforts together with the DPRK to push such ties to a new high in the spirit of inheriting tradition, looking forward to the future, keeping good neighborliness and strengthening cooperation.

Wu proposed maintaining high-level exchanges between the two countries and briefing each other on domestic happenings.

He also suggested that mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and economic fields should be carried out. China would continue providing assistance within its capacity to the DPRK, and would encourage Chinese enterprises to cooperate in various forms with the DPRK side.

Wu also called on the two countries to enhance communication and cooperation in major regional and international affairs for maintaining regional and world peace and stability.

Kim said the important visit paid by Wu and the Chinese delegation demonstrated the profound friendship between the two parties, states and peoples.

He said DPRK-China cooperative ties are not only in the fundamental interests of the two peoples but also conducive to peace and security in Asia and the world at large.

The DPRK side will make concerted efforts with Chinese comrades to enhance, expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields, he added.

Wu, who arrived here earlier Wednesday, headed China's state delegation for a three-day official goodwill visit at the invitation of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly Presidium and the DPRK cabinet.

(Xinhua News Agency October 30, 2003)