Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met in Beijing Monday with a women's delegation from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Jia said that the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the DPRK established their diplomatic relations 55 years ago.

The Chinese people greatly cherish the PRC-DPRK friendship cultivated by older generations of proletarian revolutionists in both countries, Jia said.

The Chinese will continue strengthening and developing the friendship, he said.

In recent years, Jia said, the two sides frequently exchanged high-profile visits, which was significant to enhance mutual understanding and trust as well as promote relations between the two parties and the two countries.

The exchange between the Chinese and DPRK women would also contribute to the overall friendship between the two countries, he said.

Pak Sun Hui, chairwoman of the Central Committee of the Korean Democratic Women's Union who heads the delegation, said her delegation experienced sincere friendship from the Chinese people during the visit.

She said her delegation also witnessed the great achievements made by the Chinese people.

She said she hopes the traditional friendship would be further cultivated. 

(Xinhua News Agency May 25, 2004)