North Korea would continue to strengthen economic cooperation with China, North Korean Cabinet Premier Pak Bong-ju said on Tuesday.

 

Pak made the remarks when meeting with Liu Xiaoming, the new Chinese ambassador to North Korea, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang.

 

"It's a firm policy of North Korea to make efforts to promote the traditional friendship and strengthen cooperation in the economic field with China," the premier said.

 

Pak also expressed thanks to the Chinese government for granting humanitarian aid to flood-stricken areas in North Korea.

 

Liu said China was happy to see the sound development of bilateral ties in the new century and would seek trade and economic cooperation with North Korea in new areas and forms.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 19, 2006)