China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) pledged Wednesday to further their traditional relationship in the "Year of China-DPRK Friendship" in 2009.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), told a delegation from the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) that Sino-DPRK relations, fostered by leaders of older generations, had been continuously developed.

"Celebrating the year of friendship at the 60th anniversary of Sino-DPRK ties should not only be about recalling and summarizing history, but also looking into the future," said Jia.

The People's Republic of China and the DPRK forged diplomatic ties in 1949 soon after the PRC was founded.

Jia said China would work with the DPRK to enhance high-level exchanges and cooperation in trade and other areas to strengthen coordination and safeguard common interests.

"We believe with more joint efforts China-DPRK ties could better serve the two peoples and contribute to regional peace and prosperity," Jia said.

Ri Kwang Ho, Director of the Department of Science and Education of the WPK Central Committee who headed the delegation, wished China would make greater progress in socialist construction with Chinese characteristics.

He believed the activities celebrating the year of China-DPRK friendship would further the traditional relationship between the two countries.

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2009)