Premier Wen Jiabao (R) is greeted at the airport by Kim Jong-il (L), top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) upon his arrival in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK, Oct. 4, 2009. [Xinhua] 

PYONGYANG - 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.

They have also coordinated with each other on multilateral issues and made positive contributions to their respective development and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the region as a whole, the premier added.

A review of bilateral relations over the past six decades revealed several important points on the development of these ties. One is mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the path of development of their own choice, Wen said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) is greeted at the airport by his Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) counterpart Kim Yong-il during his visit to DPRK in Pyongyang, capital of the country, Oct. 4, 2009. [Xinhua] 

The other is mutual assistance to deepen their friendship. China has provided assistance within its power to the DPRK to help with its economic development and improve its people's lives; and likewise, the DPRK has offered help and support to China, Wen added.

Still another is mutually beneficial cooperation that supplies with each other's needs and bring tangible benefit to the two peoples.

Finally, to better coordinate with each other to help maintain peace and stability in the region, he said.

China is ready to work with the DPRK to protect, consolidate and promote the friendly cooperative relations between the two nations in order to bring benefits to their peoples and enhance regional stability and development, he said.

China will maintain exchanges with the DPRK side at all levels and in all fields, reinforce coordination with it on important issues, heighten the level of their trade cooperation, expand their cultural exchange to strengthen the social foundation of their friendly relations, Wen said.