China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a reception in Beijing Monday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

A reception is held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 28, 2009. [Xinhua Photo]

Addressing the event, Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), a major non-governmental organization, said, "The friendship between the two countries had endured the test of time and changes in the world."

The traditional friendship built and nurtured by leaders of former generations of both countries had been consolidated and pushed forward over the 60 years, he said.

This year also marks the Year of China-DPRK Friendship, a year-long exchange program, which injected new vitality to the friendship, he said.

Li Jinhua, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Chen Haosu (C), president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, toast with guests at the reception to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 28, 2009. [Xinhua Photo]

DPRK ambassador to China Choe Jin Su said it was a consistent policy of the government of the DPRK to consolidate and develop friendship with China.

"We will take the 60th anniversary and the Year of DPRK-China Friendship as a new starting point, and are ready to make concerted efforts with China to expand friendly cooperative ties," he said.

About a hundred delegates from various circles of the two countries, including Li Jinhua, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, attended the reception.

(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2009)