国内英语新闻:Top leaders of China, DPRK hold talks in Beijing

BEIJING, May 7 (Xinhua) -- Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese president, held talks in Beijing with Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Kim paid an unofficial visit to China from May 3 to 7 as Hu's guest.

During their talks, Hu expressed warm welcome to Kim on behalf of the CPC, Chinese government and people.

Hu also expressed gratitude for the condolence from the DPRK to earthquake-hit Yushu in northwest China, as well as the DPRK's active participation in the World Expo in Shanghai.

During Kim's stay in Beijing, Hu hosted a welcoming banquet in honor of Kim and accompanied Kim in a visit to a biological company.

Hu Jintao (R), general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chinese president, meets 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 Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 5, 2010.

Wu Bangguo, member of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Wen Jiabao, member of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese premier, met with Kim respectively.

Other members of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang, respectively accompanied Kim for the visiting tour.

Hu said the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK is the common treasures of the two governments, parties and peoples, and it is the historical responsibility of the two sides to push forward their friendship with the progress of the times and from generation to generation.

He said in recent years, Sino-DPRK relations have made continuous achievements, and last year in particular, the two countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of Sino-DPRK diplomatic ties and successfully held the Year of Friendship, and the political contacts and cooperation in all areas have been fruitful.

Strengthening Sino-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations is the consistent policy of the Chinese party and government, he said.

Hu said China always handles, maintains and pushes forward the relations with the DPRK in a strategic and long-term perspective, and will make joint efforts with the DPRK to upgrade the relationship to benefit the two peoples and to contribute to lasting regional peace and common prosperity.

Hu said boosting Sino-DPRK cooperation helps the two countries promote their own socialist construction, and safeguard and develop the common interests as well as regional peace, stability and prosperity.