China attaches great importance to its friendship with the DPRK, and has made consistent efforts in this regard, Li said, expressing his hope this visit would serve as a further contributor to the traditional friendship between the two countries.

　　Li briefed the guests on China's stance on current international and regional affairs, as well as on China's independent foreign policy of peace.

　　China attaches great importance to good relations with neighboring countries, and strives for regional peace and stability, he said.

　　As a friendly neighbor of the DPRK, China is glad to see the current progress in the Korean Peninsula, and the achievements made by the DPRK in developing foreign relations, he said.

　　China will continue to support the improvement of north-south relations, as well as the ultimate self-determined peaceful reunification of the peninsula, he said.

　　The Workers' Party of Korea and the government are leading the people toward a better life through economic improvement, Li said, expressing China's wish that greater progress will be made in the socialist construction of the DPRK. Yang Hyong Sop said the Party and the government of the DPRK are glad to see China's rising status in the world and the remarkable success made by China in its socialist construction drive under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.

　　The DPRK has a high opinion of the country's relations with China, with its friendship based on solid foundations, he said.

　　As the international situation is complicated and capricious, the DPRK is committed to follow the consensus of General-Secretary Kim Jong II and General-Secretary and President Jiang Zemin for the further consolidation and promotion of friendly bilateral relations, which will play an active role in the peace and development of the region and the world as a whole.

　　On its domestic situation, Yang said that positive progress has been made by the DPRK in the fields of economic construction, reunification of the fatherland and foreign affairs by the DPRK people under the leadership of General-Secretary Kim Jong II.

　　The DPRK has adopted many measures to develop the national economy, he said, noting that while adhering to socialist principles, it has been constantly improving its economic management and has achieved substantial results. He also briefed Li on the DPRK's efforts in improving relations with foreign countries and the results that have been achieved.

(Xinhua News Agency October 16, 2002)