China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) recently conducted productive and timely consultations on the preparations for the second round of six-party talks, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao in Beijing Tuesday.  

Kim Yong Il, DPRK deputy foreign minister, paid a visit to China from Nov. 22 to 24, said Liu, adding that Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Vice-Foreign Ministers Dai Bingguo and Wang Yi held meetings and talks with him.

Liu said both sides exchanged views on the preparations for the second round of six-party talks. The DPRK reiterated its goal of denuclearization and expressed willingness to make efforts for the fresh round of talks, Liu said.

China believes that despite its complexity, a peaceful solution to the Korean nuclear issue is the only right choice, hoping that all parties concerned can make concerted efforts to be fully prepared for the talks, Liu said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2003)