国内英语新闻:President Hu says friendly ties with DPRK China's "consistent policy"

SHANGHAI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- President Hu Jintao said Friday China attaches great importance to its relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), adding cementing friendly ties between the two countries has been a consistent policy of China.

China is willing to join hands with the DPRK to promote the good neighborly relations to new heights, Hu said when meeting with Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK.

Hu said China would maintain and strengthen friendly exchanges with the DPRK at all levels. He urged the two sides to provide mutual support on major international and regional issues, and enhance communication and coordination on important issues.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, in Shanghai, east China, on April 30, 2010.

China and the DPRK celebrated the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties by holding the Year of Friendship in 2009. Kim Yong Nam said the Year of Friendship had yielded substantial results.

Kim Yong Nam said the DPRK was willing to expand and deepen cooperation with China and promote bilateral friendly cooperative relations.