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Wu in DPRK for party birthday
By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-10 05:59
Visiting Vice-Premier Wu Yi will attend celebrations for the 60th anniversary
of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea today, the highlight of her four-day trip
to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
North Korean leader
Kim Jong Il (front right), meets with visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi
(front left) in Pyongyang, capital of North Korea, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2005.
[Xinhua] |
Wu is also set to meet Kim Yong-nam, president of the Presidium of the
Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, and witness the signing of five bilateral
agreements later today.
The vice-premier arrived in Pyongyang for an official goodwill visit on
Saturday, along with Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai and other representatives
from Communist Party of China (CPC) and other departments, and held talks with
top DPRK leader Kim Jong-il the same evening.
During the meeting at the Paekhwawon Guesthouse, Wu conveyed a message from
Chinese President Hu Jintao, congratulating the ruling Workers' Party of Korea
on its 60th anniversary, which falls today, and hoping the country will make
great progress in the future.
Hu said China is willing to work together with the DPRK to push forward their
traditional friendship under the new circumstances.
Kim expressed appreciation for the message and the visit, saying the DPRK
will never forget the aid provided by China, noting that the completion of a
China-funded glass plant was testament to friendly bilateral relations.
Wu also met with DPRK Premier Pak Bong-ju Saturday to discuss the potential
for two-way trade, saying China is willing to play a role in exploration of the
DPRK's natural resources and construction of the country's infrastructure.
Bilateral trade hit US$1.4 billion last year and registered US$900 million
from January to July this year.
According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang, the Six-Party Talks
on the Korean Peninsula's nuclear issues would be among the topics discussed
during Wu's visit.
Analysts said that progress in the nuclear disarmament talks would be a focus
of Wu's visit.
A fresh round of Six-Party Talks are set for November following a joint
statement last month.
Wu, the Chinese Government's highest-ranking woman, was described as an iron
lady by foreign press as she has often represented the country in difficult
negotiations, including trade disputes with foreign countries.
In Beijing, Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese
Political Consultative Conference, attended a reception held at the DPRK embassy
on Saturday marking the 60th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea.
(China Daily 10/10/2005 page2)
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