Chinese, DPRK leaders hail diplomatic ties on anniversary

The Chinese leaders and their Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) counterparts on Monday sent congratulatory messages to each other to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, which falls on Oct. 6.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao said in a joint message to the DPRK leaders that the forging of the China-DPRK relations was an epoch-making event in the history of both countries.

In the past 60 years, the China-DPRK good neighborly, friendly and cooperative relations have been consolidated and developed through the joint efforts by both sides, says the message.

The two sides had maintained frequent high-level exchanges, robust cooperation in various fields and coordination on international and regional issues, it said.

It had been historically proved that the development of China-DPRK ties was in line with the fundamental interests and common wishes of both the Chinese and DPRK people and was conducive to regional peace and stability, it noted.

China was ready to join hands with the DPRK to further promote the good neighborly, friendly and cooperative relations, said the message.

Meanwhile, DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Il, President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly Kim Yong Nam and Premier Kim Yong Il said in a joint message to the Chinese leaders that the establishment of DPRK-China relations was an epoch-making event.

In the past 60 years, both sides had maintained close cooperation in various fields, steadily consolidated friendship, promoted the socialist construction of both countries, and made great contributions to maintaining peace and security in Asia and the world at large, said the message.

DPRK-China relations were precious fortunes inherited from the old generation revolutionaries and it remained the DPRK's long-standing position to consolidate and develop the friendship by generations, it said.

It was believed that, with the joint effort of both sides, DPRK-China friendly cooperative relations would be further consolidated and prosper, said the message.

Source: Xinhua