Kim: Friendship with China 'unbreakable'

PYONGYANG: Visiting Defense Minister Liang Guanglie yesterday met Kim Jong-il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

DPRK top leader Kim Jong-il meets Defense Minister Liang Guanglie  in Pyongyang on November 25, 2009. [Xinhua]

Kim welcomed Liang and spoke highly of the relationship between the DPRK and China. He described the friendship between the countries as a "treasure inherited from the older generations" of leaders and said it had "stood the test of history and was unbreakable".

He also said links between the two nations' armies were an important part of that friendship.

China and the DPRK have described 2009 as Friendship Year.

Kim also asked Liang to convey his greetings and good wishes to President Hu Jintao and other Chinese leaders.

President Hu recently invited Kim to visit China.

Liang extended his thanks to Kim for the meeting and conveyed regards from Hu and other Chinese leaders.

He said the Chinese government was unshakeable in its commitment to consolidate and develop cooperative relations.

Liang added the relationship will benefit not only the people of the two countries but contribute to peace and development in Northeast Asia and around the world.

Liang arrived in Pyongyang on Sunday for a five-day official visit. On Tuesday, he met his DPRK counterpart, Kim Yong-chun.