国内英语新闻:DPRK army ensemble visits China

BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Xu Caihou, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, met here Friday with the People's Army Concerto Company of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

    The concerto company is here on a nearly-two-week visit, and is scheduled to stage six performances in China.

Xu Caihou (R), vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, shakes hands with Om Hajin, head of the People's Army Concerto Company of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2009

Xu, who met last week in Beijing with Kim Jong Gak, member of the DPRK National Defense Commission, said the ensemble's visit marked an "important" event for the two sides' military contacts this year.

    As the two countries celebrated a Friendship Year this year, and saw the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, Xu said the visit added an emphasis to the whole celebrations for the year.

The People's Army Concerto Company of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), performs in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2009. The concerto company is here on a nearly-two-week visit, and is scheduled to stage six performances in China.

Among the celebrations, a DPRK's student art troupe visited China in July at the invitation of the Chinese People's Association For Friendship with Foreign Countries Cultural exchanges greatly contributed to the in-depth development of bilateral relations, Xu said.

    Om Hajin, head of the concerto company, said the DPRK hoped this visit could be conducive to advancing the relationship between the two militaries and countries.

Xu Caihou (middle row C), vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, and members of the People's Army Concerto Company of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), pose for a group photo, after the performance given by the concerto company, in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2009

The traditional bilateral friendship, initiated by the older generation of leaders, was the two peoples' common wealth, Om said.

    The last visit to China paid by the ensemble was in 1991. Recalling that visit, Om told Xinhua they were excited to be on the once-familiar stage in China.

    The DPRK people paid great attention to the visit, said Om, adding DPRK attached great importance to developing cultural cooperation with China.

The People's Army Concerto Company of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), performs in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2009. The concerto company is here on a nearly-two-week visit, and is scheduled to stage six performances in China.

Together with over 1,000 Chinese officers and soldiers, Xu watched the performance given by the concerto company Friday evening at the China Grand Theater.

    The nearly-two-hour show consisted of various forms of performances, such as chorus, solo and tap dancing.

    The anthem of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and renowned Chinese military songs, particularly prepared by the ensemble, were received by warm applause of the audience.

The People's Army Concerto Company of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), performs in Beijing, China, Nov. 27, 2009. The concerto company is here on a nearly-two-week visit, and is scheduled to stage six performances in China.

Apart from Beijing, the concerto company will also visit Shenyang Military Area Command in northeastern China, and it is due to wrap up the visit on Dec. 5.

    DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Il met with Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie in Pyongyang on Wednesday, while Liang said the Chinese government was unshakable in its commitment to consolidate and develop the cooperative relations of the two countries.

    Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao paid an official goodwill visit to the DPRK from Oct. 4 to Oct. 6.