Top leader of the Democratic Pe ople's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong II (R) meets with visiting Chinese senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Li Changchun. (Xinhua photo)

　　PYONGYANG, Sept. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- China will work with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to continue to develop friendship and cooperation between the two countries, Hu Jintao, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said in an oral message to top DPRK leader Kim Jong Il on Sunday.

　　In the message which was conveyed by senior CPC leader Li Changchun, Hu expressed the hope that both countries strengthen coordination and cooperation in regional and international affairs, understand and support each other, and seek common development so as to benefit the two peoples.

　　Kim, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission, on Sunday met Li, member of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee. The two exchanged views on furthering bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common concern.

　　Li said that under the current circumstances, to continue to develop the two countries' traditional friendship is in the fundamental interest of both, and the two sides should continue to broaden consensus, promote economic cooperation to the benefit of both, and strengthen consultations and coordination in handling international and regional issues.

　　Li said the new Chinese leadership attaches great importance to the development of bilateral ties, and will stick to the principles of "inheriting the past and looking forward to the future, being good friends and neighbors and strengthening cooperation."

　　China will encourage high-level visits between the two countries, promote exchanges at various levels, broaden and deepen bilateral cooperation and bring more substantial benefits to the two peoples, Li said.

　　He said China will continue to support the DPRK's socialist development path and its pursuit of a development mode suited to itself. China backs the DPRK in its advocacy for an independent and peaceful reunification, and its efforts to improve its international environment, Li said.

　　Speaking on the same occasion, Kim described his visit to China in April as very successful, during which he saw a genuine, traditional friendship too strong to be severed. He said the DPRK side is satisfied with the continuous development of friendship and cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

　　Kim expressed his belief that the flower of friendship will blossom more beautifully in the new century.

　　He also spoke highly of China's achievements and wished the Chinese people greater accomplishment in modernization and in its pursuit of reunification.

　　Li, leading a delegation of the CPC and the Chinese government, started an official goodwill visit to Pyongyang on Friday. Enditem will