China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)
signed an agreement in Beijing Saturday on the joint exploitation
of offshore oil.
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The document was signed after Chinese Vice Premier Zeng
Peiyan met with a DPRK government delegation led by Vice
Premier Ro Tu Chol.
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During the meeting, Zeng said the China-DPRK relations have
achieved new progress this year thanks to the joint efforts, the
solicitude from the top leaders of both countries in
particular.
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The two sides have maintained frequent exchanges of high-level
visits, continuously expanded bilateral economic cooperation and
trade, said Zeng, adding that they have also strengthened
cooperation on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue and other major
regional and international issues.
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Zeng stressed that it is China's resolute strategy to consolidate
and further develop the traditional friendship and cooperation
between the two neighbors.
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Ro said the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between
the DPRK and China have entered a new stage of development.
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Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields are advancing
smoothly, he said.
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The DPRK party and government will continue their efforts to push
forward mutually beneficial cooperation and realize common
development in accordance with the consensus reached by the top
leaders of the two countries.
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Ro arrived in Beijing Saturday morning for a four-day visit to
China as guest of Zeng.
(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2005)