China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) signed an agreement in Beijing Saturday on the joint exploitation of offshore oil.
   
The document was signed after Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan met with a DPRK government delegation led by Vice Premier Ro Tu Chol.
   
During the meeting, Zeng said the China-DPRK relations have achieved new progress this year thanks to the joint efforts, the solicitude from the top leaders of both countries in particular.
   
The two sides have maintained frequent exchanges of high-level visits, continuously expanded bilateral economic cooperation and trade, said Zeng, adding that they have also strengthened cooperation on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue and other major regional and international issues.
   
Zeng stressed that it is China's resolute strategy to consolidate and further develop the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two neighbors.
   
Ro said the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and China have entered a new stage of development.
   
Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields are advancing smoothly, he said.
   
The DPRK party and government will continue their efforts to push forward mutually beneficial cooperation and realize common development in accordance with the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two countries.
   
Ro arrived in Beijing Saturday morning for a four-day visit to China as guest of Zeng.

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2005)