China will continue to play a constructive role in the six-party talks on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said in Pyongyang on Wednesday.

At a meeting with Kim Jong Il, top leader of North Korea, Xi said China is willing to strengthen the exchange of opinions and cooperation with North Korea with a view to promote the six-party talks.

Progress has been made in the talks thanks to concerted efforts by all parties concerned, with a new round of interaction being launched, the Chinese vice president said.

China has always supported North Korea in improving its relations with the United States and Japan through dialogues, Xi added.

There is an opportunity now for all sides concerned at the six-party talks to overcome difficulties and make fresh headway, he said.

Xi expressed hope that the six parties will work together for the full and balanced implementation of the second phase of the action plan so as to push the talks forward.

Kim pointed out that many important agreements and points of consensus had been reached at the six-party talks, though the negotiations have been tortuous.

China, as host country of the talks, has played an important role in the process, Kim said. He expressed hope that North Korea and China will continue to cooperate in this regard.

Xi arrived in Pyongyang on Tuesday to begin a three-day official goodwill visit to North Korea, on the first leg of his five-nation tour.

He will also visit Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Yemen.

(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2008)