China will continue to develop its traditional friendship with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), said Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing Wednesday.  

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, made the remark in a meeting with a DPRK military delegation headed by Ri Tae Il, vice minister of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces.

He said China and the DPRK, as close neighbors, had enjoyed traditional friendship which has stood the test of history.

China's new leadership will continue to consolidate and develop the traditional friendly relations between the two countries, the two parties, and the armed forces and people of the two countries and move the friendly ties to a new high, he added.

Cao briefed the visitors on China's position on the Korean Peninsula issue and China's construction and army building.

Ri expressed his appreciation for the achievements made by the Chinese people and army in building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

He said the DPRK-China friendship accords with the common desire of the two peoples and is conducive to regional peace.

The DPRK side will do its best to further develop the friendly relations between the two countries' armed forces, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2003)