With folk dances and songs, China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Wednesday unveiled their year-long exchange program, "China-DPRK Friendship Year".

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his DPRK counterpart, Kim Yong Il, attended the premiere of friendship year, together with ministers of foreign affairs, trade and culture of both countries.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) and his counterpart of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Yong Il wave during a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the China-DPRK diplomatic relations and the launch of the China-DPRK Friendship Year in Beijing, capital of China, March 18, 2009. [Ma Zhancheng/Xinhua]

"It is of great significance for China and the DPRK to stage the Friendship Year, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations," Wen said in a speech at the start of the gala.

Wen said the DPRK was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with China. The two countries forged diplomatic relations on Oct. 6, 1949, days after the People's Republic of China was founded.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) delivers a speech as his counterpart of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Yong Il listens during a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the China-DPRK diplomatic relations and the launch of the China-DPRK Friendship Year in Beijing, capital of China, March 18, 2009.[Ma Zhancheng/Xinhua]

"The exchange program spells out the shared aspiration of both countries to cherish their traditional friendship and commit to good-neighbor cooperation," Wen said.