Premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Pak Bong-ju held talks in Pyongyang Tuesday with visiting Chinese presidential envoy Tang Jiaxuan on Sino-DPRK relations and other important issues of common concern.  

Tang said ties between the two countries have been developing well in the new century and China and the DPRK should make joint efforts to further boost their relations.

As far as the current circumstances are concerned, Tang noted that the two neighboring countries should enhance the quality and standard of their cooperation in various fields, and work together to safeguard regional peace, stability, safety and prosperity.

During the talks, Pak highly praised the bilateral relationship, saying it is dynamic and fruitful.

Pak also expressed gratitude to China for the latter's financial aid, saying the glass factory being built with Chinese aid is a symbol of the friendship between the two peoples in a new era.

Tang, a state councilor and former foreign minister, arrived here Tuesday morning and is expected to stay for two days.

(Xinhua News Agency July 13, 2005)