Minister of National Defense Cao Gangchuan on Wednesday met with a border defense delegation from North Korea.

 

The delegation was headed by Choe Pu-il, deputy chief of the general of staff of the armed forces of North Korea.

 

During the meeting, Cao reviewed the deep friendship between China and North Korea, saying it was valued by both nations.

 

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said the traditional friendship had been continuously consolidated and developed under the care and promotion of the leaders of the two countries.

 

The close exchange and cooperation, the mutual cooperation between the two militaries had contributed greatly to their development as well as overall bilateral relations.

 

Choe said the stability and security conditions in the border areas between North Korea and China had been improved thanks to the active work done by the border defense departments of the two armed forces.

 

Choe stressed that North Korea had always supported China's efforts to develop and reunite.

 

North Korea was eager to join with China in further developing friendly relations, said Choe.

 

The North Korean Ambassador to China Choe Jin-su also attended the meeting.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2006)