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Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping continues his visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and has met with top leader Kim Jong Il. They discussed the long-term friendship between the two countries and the Six-Party nuclear talks.
The visiting Vice President received a warm welcome from Kim Jong Il, General Secretary of the Worker's Party of Korea.
The meeting comes at a special time, as the the Democratic People's Republic of Korea celebrates its 60th anniversary, and the 59th anniversary of the two counties' diplomatic relationship.
Xi Jinping congratulated the Korean people, and noted China's strategy to reinforce and develop its friendship with the DPRK.
He pledged high-level contact and broader cooperation in trade and economy, and to beef up the coordination in regional and global issues of common concern.
This was echoed by Kim Jong Il, who stated DPRK's firm stance to develop the traditional and friendly relationship. He also expressed his condolences to the victims of the massive Sichuan earthquake, and wished the upcoming Olympics every success.
Xi Jinping thanked the DPRK for its support and aid to the Chinese people after the earthquake, and expressed China's confidence in rebuilding the quake-stricken areas.
On the nuclear issue, the Chinese Vice President noted the current difficulties of the Six-Party Talks, which is now at a standstill in its second phase to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. He said he hoped all sides could move forward to implement the agreement of the second phase in a complete and balanced way.
Kim Kong Il confirmed the achievements of the Six-Party Talks and the active role of China as a host. He proposed to cooperate with China for more achievements in the future.
The two leaders also agreed to hold a China and DPRK Year of Friendship in 2009