Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Beijing with Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

At the invitation of Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Chinese president, Kim paid an unofficial visit to China from Jan. 10 to 18.

Wen said China and DPRK are friendly neighbors. The two countries should further expand cooperation in various fields on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and respect in a bid to benefit the two peoples and promote regional peace and stability.

China-DPRK trade and economic cooperation is an important part of bilateral relations, he said. It is important to stick to the principle of government guidance, enterprises' participation and market operation.

Wen suggested both countries make full play of the role of the bilateral joint committee of trade, economy and technology, continue to explore new fields and ways for cooperation, and lift the level of China-DPRK trade and economic cooperation.

Wen also briefed Kim about China's current economic situation and its eleventh five-year program.

Kim expressed congratulations over the remarkable achievements China has made in its economic and social development.

He said the DPRK is glad to see that China's new collective leadership attaches great importance to further enriching the new contents of DPRK-China friendly cooperative ties under the new circumstance.

Kim said he is very satisfied with DPRK-China cooperation in the fields of trade, economy and personnel training. DPRK is willing to join hands with China to learn from each other, share experience, enhance cooperation and promote greater achievements of DPRK-China traditional friendship in various fields, in a bid to benefit the two countries and two peoples.

Source: Xinhua