Premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Yong Il arrived in Beijing Tuesday morning, kicking off his official goodwill visit to China.

Visiting Premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Yong Il (L) shakes hands with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue in Beijing March 17, 2009. [Rao Aimin/Xinhua]

During his five-day visit to China, Kim will meet and hold talks with Chinese state leaders, and attend a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the China-DPRK diplomatic relationship and the opening of the China-DPRK Friendship Year in 2009.

This is his first visit to China since he assumed office in April 2007. He is also scheduled to visit China's Shandong Province, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Visiting Premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Yong Il (C) arrives in Beijing, capital of China, March 17, 2009, kicking off his official goodwill visit to China.[Rao Aimin/Xinhua]