The top legislator of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games next month, the Chinese charge d'affaires in the country said Friday.

The Chinese government warmly welcomes Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, to the Olympics opening ceremony on Aug. 8, said China's charge d'affaires in Pyonyang, Xing Haiming, at a reception commemorating the 47th anniversary of a bilateral friendship treaty.

The year 2009 is the year of DPRK-China friendship and China will work jointly with the DPRK to prepare for celebratory activities in an effort to further exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields, Xing said.

Choe Chang Sik, chairman of the Central Committee of the DPRK-China Friendship Association, wished the Beijing Olympics great success.

The DPRK will strive jointly with China to boost friendly ties between the two nations, Choe said at the reception.

Yang Hyong Sop, vice president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, also attended Friday's reception.

(Xinhua News Agency July 12, 2008)