China’s top legislator Wu Bangguo vowed on Monday to further boost parliamentary exchanges with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Wu made the remarks while meeting with a high-level DPRK delegation led by Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the DPRK’s Supreme People’s Assembly.
Wu recalled the signing of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance 50 years ago, adding that the treaty laid a solid political and legislative foundation for the development of bilateral ties.
The treaty was signed between late Premier Zhou Enlai and late DPRK President Kim Il Sung in Beijing on July 11, 1961.
Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress (NPC), said the two countries have consolidated their relations and made remarkable achievements in various areas over the past 50 years.
He said that cementing China-DPRK relations is in the fundamental interests of both parties, countries and peoples.
“The consolidation and development of cooperative ties is a steadfast strategic principle of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the country, as well as the sincere aspiration of the Chinese people,” Wu added.
He vowed to work closely with the DPRK to enhance high-level exchanges and strategic coordination, facilitate substantial cooperation and boost bilateral relations.
Wu said that China and the DPRK are both in a key stage of development, which has created new opportunities for both sides to further their cooperation.
In regard to parliamentary exchanges, Wu said the NPC and the DPRK Supreme People’s Assembly have forged a tradition of close cooperation. He expressed his hope that both legislative bodies can continue to give full play to their parliamentary functions in order to promote country-to-country relations.
Echoing Wu’s views, Yang extended his congratulations on the 90th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, noting that the DPRK treasures its friendship with China.
The DPRK will make concerted efforts with China to expand bilateral pragmatic cooperation in various fields, Yong pledged.
Yang arrived in Beijing on Saturday for a four-day visit at the invitation of the Chinese government. He attended a reception on Monday marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance.
The reception was co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-DPRK Friendship Association.
Xinhua