Chinese President Hu Jintao has pledged to strengthen China's relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. He also reiterated China's consistent policy of cementing friendly ties between the two countries.

Chinese President Hu Jintao has pledged to strengthen China's relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. [Xinhua]

President Hu Jintao made the statement during his meeting with a delegation from the DPRK's Workers' Party of Korea in Beijing. The Chinese President said Sino-DPRK relations over the past year had remained strong because both countries' leaders maintained frequent contacts on major issues of common concerns.

The two countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2009 by holding the Year of Friendship. Hu Jintao said the celebration renewed the traditional friendship.

Director of the International Affairs Department of the WPK Central Committee, Kim Yong Il, said the DPRK values its friendship with China and expects further exchanges between the two sides to contribute to Sino-DPRK relations.