President Hu Jintao, also general secretary of the Communist
Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, sent a message to Kim
Jong-il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
(DPRK), that China will continue to promote ties with the DPRK by
strengthening coordination and cooperation in regional and
international affairs, understanding and supporting each other, and
seeking common development so as to benefit the two
peoples.??
Hu's message was conveyed to Kim by Li
Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political
Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee,
during a Sunday meeting. Li is on an official goodwill mission to
Pyongyang.
Kim is general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK)
and chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission.
Li and Kim exchanged views on furthering bilateral relations as
well as regional and international issues of common concern.
Li said that under current circumstances, continuing to develop
the two countries' traditional friendship is in the fundamental
interest of both. The two countries should continue to broaden
consensus, promote economic cooperation, and strengthen
consultations and coordination in handling international and
regional issues.
The development of bilateral ties is a matter of great
importance to China's leadership, said Li. China intends to adhere
to the principles of "inheriting the past and looking forward to
the future, being good friends and neighbors and strengthening
cooperation."
China will encourage high-level visits between the two
countries, promote exchanges at various levels, broaden and deepen
bilateral cooperation and bring more substantial benefits to the
people of both nations, Li said.
He stated that China will continue to support the DPRK's
socialist development and its pursuit of a suitable mode of
development. China supports the DPRK's advocacy of an independent
and peaceful reunification.
Kim stated in the meeting that during his very successful visit
to China last April, he saw a genuine, traditional friendship too
strong to be severed. He said that the DPRK is satisfied with the
continuous development of friendship and cooperation between the
two countries in various fields.
Kim expressed his belief that the flower of friendship will
blossom more beautifully in the new century.
He also spoke highly of China's achievements and wished the
Chinese people greater accomplishments in modernization and in
their pursuit of reunification.
Li, leading a delegation of CPC and government representatives,
started a four-day official goodwill visit to Pyongyang on
Friday.
(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2004)