China ready to explore potential for practical cooperation with DPRK: Premier Li

PYONGYANG -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday that China is willing to work with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to explore the potential for practical cooperation and add more impetus to the development and construction of the two countries.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during his meeting with Pak Thae-song, premier of the cabinet of the DPRK and presidium member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).

Li said that during their recent meeting in Beijing, General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong-un reached a series of important consensus on deepening relations between the two parties and two countries.

China will, as always, firmly support the WPK in leading the DPRK people to follow a development path that suits its national conditions, he noted.

Li stressed that China is willing to work with the DPRK to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, enhance high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, continuously consolidate political mutual trust, and secure new progress in the traditional friendship and cooperation between China and the DPRK.

Pointing out that both China and the DPRK are currently making every effort to advance the cause of socialist construction, Li expressed willingness to work with the DPRK to explore the potential for practical cooperation and add more impetus to the development and construction of the two countries.

The people of China and the DPRK have a profound and special friendship, Li said, calling on both sides to enhance exchanges and mutual visits at all levels in such fields as youth, culture, education, art and sports, and continuously deepen the friendly feelings between the people.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers' (CPV) entering the DPRK to fight in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, Li said, noting that China stands ready to work with the DPRK to successfully hold commemorative activities.

As the international situation is undergoing profound changes, both sides should unite and cooperate more closely to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of China and the DPRK, and maintain international fairness and justice, he noted.

For his part, Pak said the historic meeting between General Secretary Kim and General Secretary Xi in Beijing not long ago has provided strategic guidance and injected strong impetus into the development of relations between the DPRK and China.

The WPK, government and people of the DPRK hold sincere and friendly feelings towards China, he said, noting that consolidating and developing the unbreakable relations between the DPRK and China is the unwavering position of the WPK and government of the DPRK.

The DPRK side is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, enhance exchanges on governance, expand friendly exchanges, deepen cooperation in various fields, closely cooperate on the path of realizing the socialist cause, and constantly create a new situation in the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and China, Pak said.

The DPRK firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests and is willing to jointly commemorate the 75th anniversary of the CPV's entering the DPRK to fight in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, he said, calling on both sides to closely engage in multilateral collaboration and safeguard common interests.

On Friday morning, Li, accompanied by Pak, visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to pay his respects to late DPRK leaders of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il.