Chinese premier meets DPRK counterpart

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Source: Xinhua

PYONGYANG, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with his Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) counterpart Kim Yong Il Sunday afternoon on efforts to further bilateral ties.

The China-DPRK friendship, fostered by founders of the two countries and subject to all tests of the changing times, has been constantly strengthened and improved, Wen said.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and coincides with the China-DPRK Friendship Year, he noted.

The Chinese premier said that for six decades, China and the DPRK have supported each other politically, helped each other economically and learned from each other culturally.

Read more: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-10/04/content_12181056.htm

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1. ‘Dear Leader’ welcomes Chinese comrade to boost hopes of a nuclear agreement

The Chinese Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, arrived in North Korea for talks with its reclusive leader Kim Jong Il yesterday amid hopes of advancing nuclear disarmament by the pariah state after months of tension.

Mr Kim made the unusual gesture of greeting Mr Wen in person, embracing him as he arrived at Pyongyang airport. The visit appeared to end one of the worst periods in relations between East Asia’s two nuclear powers. The countries — once described by Mao Zedong as being “as close as lips and teeth” — have had frosty relations since April, when North Korea launched an intercontinental rocket, which was followed in May by an underground nuclear test. China ended support for its long-time ally and backed condemnation and sanctions by the UN Security Council.

The visit by Mr Wen — China’s second most senior leader — to Pyongyang suggests that differences have been overcome and North Korea is ready to resume some kind of negotiations, after abandoning Chinesesponsored disarmament talks in April.

“Respectable comrade Wen Jiabao’s visit to our country this time has huge meaning in its historical timing and political significance,” a commentary in North Korea’s state run Workers’ Newspaper said yesterday.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6861030.ece