PYONGYANG -- Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Tuesday in Pyongyang.

Kim Jong Il (L), top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), shakes hands with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Pyongyang July 3, 2007. Yang's visit came as North Korea moved to shut down its nuclear reactor under a February 13 agreement. [Xinhua]

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During the meeting at the Paekhwawon Guesthouse in the capital city, Yang conveyed to Kim a message and greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Yang spoke highly of the traditional China-DPRK friendship, saying bilateral cooperation has been developing smoothly with joint efforts and China is ready to work with the DPRK to further promote the ties.

Kim said the DPRK-China traditional friendship has a long history and is a valuable legacy from leaders of previous generations.

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