China will work with North Korea to expand the cooperation between the two armed forces and the two nations, said a senior military officer in Beijing on Wednesday.

 

Liang Guanglie, Chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and member of China's Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of North Korea's People's Army.

 

The delegation, headed by Ri Yong-hwan, an army commander of the Korean People's Army came to visit China at the invitation of the Chinese National Defense Ministry.

 

Liang said China and North Korea have enjoyed a long tradition of profound friendship, adding that the close, friendly and long-term cooperation between the two armed forces has made great contribution to the revolution and construction of the two countries.

 

With close care from the top leaders of both countries and joint efforts from the two armed forces, Liang said, the People's Liberation Army and the Korean People's Army will make new contribution to further development of the bilateral ties.

 

Ri Yong-hwan expressed North Korea's will to learn from China's successful experience in building the country and the army.

 

We hope to further strengthen and develop the friendly and cooperative relations with China and the PLA, said Ri.

 

North Korea's ambassador to China Choe Jin-su also attended the meeting.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2006)