Beijing, March 21st—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Kim Song Nam, Alternate Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and Director of the International Department of the WPK Central Committee of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).  

Liu said, in recent years, General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un have maintained close strategic communication through various forms, opening a new historical chapter of China-DPRK relations. The Chinese side is ready to work with the DPRK side to resolutely implement the important consensus of the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries, take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the China-DPRK Friendship Year as an opportunity to strengthen inter-party exchanges, carry forward traditional friendship, deepen strategic communication, and strengthen exchanges and mutual learning. Both sides should promote friendly exchanges and practical cooperation in various fields, constantly push China-DPRK relations for new development, benefit the two peoples, and promote regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.  

Kim Song Nam said, General Secretary Kim Jong Un and General Secretary Xi Jinping jointly designated 2024 as the China-DPRK Friendship Year. The DPRK side is willing to work with the Chinese side to follow the important instructions of the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries, fulfill the responsibilities of the international department of the two Parties, inherit and develop the traditional friendship between the DPRK and China, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, enhance the well-being of the people, and promote the friendly cooperative relations between the DPRK and China for comprehensive development.  

The two sides also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and other issues of common concern.  

Zhao Shitong, Assistant-minister of the IDCPC, Ri Ryong Nam, DPRK Ambassador to China, Mun Song Hyok, Deputy Director of the International Department of the WPK Central Committee, and others were present.