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)