The Democratic People’s Republic of
Korea (North Korea) will continue to seek peaceful settlement of
the nuclear issue through dialog, although the situation remains
complicated on the peninsula, top legislator Kim Yong Nam told his
Chinese counterpart, Wu Bangguo, in Beijing on Monday.
Kim, president of the Presidium of
the North Korean Supreme People’s Assembly, met with Wu, chairman
of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, on the
first day of his official goodwill visit to China. Kim is in
Beijing at the invitation of the Standing Committee of the National
People’s Congress and the State Council.
Wu said that the international
community hopes to maintain the momentum of talks on the nuclear
issue and seek solutions to substantial issues. He stated that as
long as all parties to the talks remain patient, sincere and
flexible, the difficulties will be overcome.
The peaceful talks can and should
be continued, Wu said.
Wu also submitted a four-point
proposal to strengthen relations between China and North Korea.
The four points are: mutual respect
and equality based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence;
maintaining high-level contacts for timely exchange of views on
major issues; promoting cooperation for the benefit of the two
countries and peoples; and enhancing coordination in international
and regional affairs to create a peaceful environment.
Wu noted that the friendship
between China and North Korea has withstood the test of changing
times since the two countries established diplomatic ties 55 years
ago. The growing friendship has promoted the socialist cause in
both countries, safeguarded their fundamental interests and
contributed to regional peace and stability.
Kim said that the traditional
friendship between North Korea and China has been strengthened in
the new century, and his country is willing to work with China to
increase high-level contacts and expand economic and trade
cooperation.
Wu also briefed Kim on a decision
of the Chinese government to offer aid to the DPRK.
(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2004)