Preparation for the Beijing Olympic torch relay in Pyongyang was undergoing smoothly, said Chinese ambassador Tuesday.

Liu Xiaoming, Chinese ambassador to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), held a press conference in the Chinese embassy at Pyongyang, saying good cooperation between the Olympic Committee of the DPRK and Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) would secure the torch relay on April 28 smoothly and successfully.

It is the first time of Olympic flame coming to the DPRK, and also the first time of both sides of the Korean Peninsular taking part in torch relay at the same time.

"The event will be of special and important meaning," he said.

The torch relay is sure to light the passion and share the joyance among the Chinese and the Korean people, helping enhance the traditional China-DPRK friendship, advancing communion and cooperation on fields of sports and culture, he added.

China and the DPRK started discussions and consultations on the Olympic torch relay in last July.

Before April 28, the Chinese embassy is planning to hold a series of events including a keynote speech and a photo exhibition on Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

(Xinhua News Agency March 11, 2008)