President Hu Jintao, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, sent a message to Kim Jong-il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), that China will continue to promote ties with the DPRK by strengthening coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs, understanding and supporting each other, and seeking common development so as to benefit the two peoples.  

Hu's message was conveyed to Kim by Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, during a Sunday meeting. Li is on an official goodwill mission to Pyongyang.

Kim is general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission.

Li and Kim exchanged views on furthering bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common concern.

Li said that under current circumstances, continuing to develop the two countries' traditional friendship is in the fundamental interest of both. The two countries should continue to broaden consensus, promote economic cooperation, and strengthen consultations and coordination in handling international and regional issues.

The development of bilateral ties is a matter of great importance to China's leadership, said Li. China intends to adhere to the principles of "inheriting the past and looking forward to the future, being good friends and neighbors and strengthening cooperation."

China will encourage high-level visits between the two countries, promote exchanges at various levels, broaden and deepen bilateral cooperation and bring more substantial benefits to the people of both nations, Li said.

He stated that China will continue to support the DPRK's socialist development and its pursuit of a suitable mode of development. China supports the DPRK's advocacy of an independent and peaceful reunification.

Kim stated in the meeting that during his very successful visit to China last April, he saw a genuine, traditional friendship too strong to be severed. He said that the DPRK is satisfied with the continuous development of friendship and cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

Kim expressed his belief that the flower of friendship will blossom more beautifully in the new century.

He also spoke highly of China's achievements and wished the Chinese people greater accomplishments in modernization and in their pursuit of reunification.

Li, leading a delegation of CPC and government representatives, started a four-day official goodwill visit to Pyongyang on Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2004)