Building on ties forged

Updated: 2011-12-20 08:10

(China Daily)

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The unexpected death of Kim Jong-il, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has taken the world by surprise.

As a close neighbor with friendly ties with the DPRK, China was shocked by the news and it has expressed its deep condolences to the DPRK and its people.

Kim had dedicated his life to the DPRK's revolution and construction.

As a close friend of the Chinese people, Kim had pushed the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK to a new level.

Our thoughts are with the people of the DPRK at this particularly difficult moment, and we wish them well.

Beijing and Pyongyang have enjoyed a long tradition of friendship, forged by generations of leaders. It is hoped our neighbor will continue its endeavor to build an economically stronger DPRK under a new leadership.

We believe China and the DPRK will continue to inject new vitality into their strategic and long-term relations in the light of the changing realities in the world.

For bilateral ties to continue to grow, the two countries need to deepen mutual political trust, reinforce strategic coordination and strengthen communication in international and regional affairs.

Economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has shown a strong momentum in recent years and two economic zones are now being jointly developed. The two neighbors have also expanded their exchanges into such fields such as culture, education, sports and science and technology.

China is willing to contribute to the DPRK's efforts to build a strong and prosperous nation and will seek to expand pragmatic cooperation with its neighbor.

In recent months there have also been positive developments in the easing of tensions between the DPRK and parties within the framework of Six-Party Talks, as both the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United States have resumed contact with the DPRK.

The Six-Party Talks, a Beijing-initiated mechanism dedicated to the denuclearization of the peninsula that groups China, the US, DPRK, ROK, Japan and Russia, had been stagnating up until then, but it is the only means for solving the peninsula issue in peace.

The concerned parties should continue to build on this positive momentum so that the talks can resume at the earliest opportunity.

A stable DPRK is a blessing to both its people and the region. Pyongyang's commitment to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula is in its own interests and best serves its regional responsibilities.

(China Daily 12/20/2011 page9)