PYONGYANG - Top leader Kim Jong-il of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Zhang Dejiang pledged on Tuesday to further strengthen the friendly relations between the two neighboring nations.

During a meeting with Kim, Zhang stressed that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance Between China and the DPRK, his visit was aimed at conveying the friendly sentiment of the Chinese people to their DPRK counterparts and pushing forward the bilateral friendly and cooperative relationship.

Citing Kim's three trips to China since early last year, Zhang said that the visits and Kim's meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao infused strong power into the development of the bilateral relations.

Beijing is ready to work with Pyongyang to constantly deepen their communications and cooperation in various fields and further boost the DPRK-China friendship, said the Chinese vice-premier, who arrived here Sunday with a delegation.

While extending his welcome to the Chinese guests, Kim said that his recent visits to China were successful and that the DPRK and China should make concerted efforts to promote their traditional friendship.

The DPRK leader also offered congratulations on the 90th anniversary of the foundation of the Communist Party of China, and expressed wishes that the Chinese people make more achievements in China's future development.

Earlier in the day, Zhang met with Kim Yong-nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, and they agreed to continue to promote bilateral ties and friendship.