Chinese vice premier vows stronger ties with DPRK

BEIJING, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang vowed on Thursday to further exchanges and cooperation with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Zhang made the remarks while meeting with his DPRK counterpart, Han Kwang Bok, who is on a working visit to China.

Zhang praised the stable growth of China-DPRK relations, adding China will continue to facilitate friendly exchanges and cooperation with the DPRK in various areas, to further step up bilateral ties.

The Chinese vice premier also briefed Han on China's annual Central Economic Work Conference, which concluded on Wednesday, and the sixth plenary session of the 17th CPC Central Committee held in October. He said China would stick to scientific development and the transformation of economic development patterns, in a bid to maintain stable and rapid economic growth.

Han, the DPRK's deputy premier, spoke highly of DPRK-China ties, adding her country would join hands with China to further consolidate traditional friendship and expand substantial cooperation.

She also expressed her hope that the Chinese people would achieve greater success in building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Invited by the Chinese government, Han arrived in Beijing earlier Thursday for a working visit.