During a meeting with Jo Myongrok, first deputy chairman of the Defense Commission of Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and direct general of the Political Bureau of Korean People's Army, Guo said the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK had played an important role in maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula.

The armed forces of the two sides had helped and learned from each other and the traditional military friendship had been consolidated, contributing to friendly state relations, he said.

China was ready to make concerted efforts with the DPRK to implement the consensus reached by the state leaders of the two sides and promote the friendly relations between the two countries and armed forces.

Guo also stated China's stance on regional and international issues.

China always supported the non-nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the improvement of relations between the North and the South, which aims to realize the independent peaceful reunification of the peninsula, he said.

China always advocated a resolution of the Korean issue through dialogue and by peaceful means, he added.

Jo Myongrok said the traditional friendship between the DPRK and China had continued to develop.

Under the current international situation, the DPRK would make unremitting efforts to consistently develop friendly relations between the two states and the armed forces, he said.

He also stated his views on international issues and the Korean Peninsula.

Jo Myongrok and his party arrived in Beijing on Monday to pay a visit to China at the invitation of Guo.

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2003)