Kim promises to push forward talks
(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-01-19 06:24

The DPRK has refused to return to the negotiations unless Washington lifts the financial sanctions.

President Hu, who visited the DPRK between October 28 and 30 last year, reiterated China's principled stance on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, noting that it is a correct choice to settle problems by peaceful means through dialogue.

"China is ready to unswervingly make joint efforts with relevant parties including the DPRK to promote the Six-Party Talks process," he said.

Hu Jintao (R), general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chinese President, meets with with Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in Beijing January 17, 2006. [Xinhua]

Kim yesterday concluded his unofficial visit to China, which started on January 10, after touring China's central and southern provinces of Hubei and Guangdong and Beijing.

During his visit to the cities of Wuhan, Yichang, Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Shenzhen, Kim, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, visited a dozen enterprises and institutes in the fields of industry, agriculture, science and technology and education.

Kim, also chairman of the DPRK's National Defence Commission, said that China's achievements, especially in Guangdong, as a result of the reform and opening-up policy, have fully demonstrated the vitality and potential of the country's economic development.

Kim said he was greatly impressed by, and benefited quite a lot from, the visit, noting that China's comprehensive national strength has been growing, and the social outlook changing by the day. He said he has a better understanding of China, the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese Government's policies on sustainable social and economic development.

China has been following a path featuring its own characteristics, Kim said. "The DPRK also attaches great attention to economic expansion and is ready to further enhance exchanges and co-operation with China, so as to explore a development path in line with the DPRK's national situation."

The entire top Chinese leadership, including top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao, met Kim during the visit.