DPRK minister backs peace in Asia and world
By Hu Xiao (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-07-14 00:38

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will join China in new efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region and the world at large.

Visiting Minister of the People's Armed Forces of the DPRK Kim Il-chol made these remarks during Tuesday's meeting with China's top legislator Wu Bangguo, saying he hopes his visit can promote bilateral relations.

This year is the 55th anniversary of China-DPRK diplomatic relations.

On the development of bilateral ties, Wu suggested both sides should enhance understanding and trust, strengthen exchanges and deepenoverall co-operation in various fields.

Wu lauded frequent visits between leaders of the countries, saying such interaction ensures long term and stable progress in relations.

Kim's visit has drawn keen attention with it coming soon after a senior US government official's trip to Beijing.

US National Security Council Adviser Condoleezza Rice paid a 24-hour visit to Beijing last week.

Analysts said that both the United States and the DPRK, the two key players in the nuclear standoff on the Korean Peninsula, hopeto keep close co-ordination with China so as to study various proposals and ensure"co-ordinated steps" are taken in addressing the nuclear issue andrelated concerns.

Wu, during yesterday's meeting, also reiterated China's principled stand on the nuclear issue,according to aChinese defence ministry spokesman.

The fourth round of six-party talkswill take place in Beijing in September,involving the DPRK, the United States, China, Republic of Korea, Japan and Russia.

Kim Jong-il, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, paid an unofficial visit to China in April. It was then he expressed hopeshis country would continue to be patient and flexibleand actively participate in the six-party talks process, and make its own contributions to their progress.

And two days later, US Vice President Dick Cheney arrivedon the heels of that visit.

Kim Il-chol and his delegation arrived here Monday on a visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan, who is also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Cao told Kim on Monday that China hopes to continue to enhance exchanges between the two armies.

Liao Xilong, director-general of the General Logistics Department of the People's Liberation Army, also met with Kim yesterday morning.

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