Visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang (C) laid a wreath at the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang, paying tribute to Chinese soldiers killed in the Korean War Oct 24, 2011. [Photo/Xinhua]

PYONGYANG - Visiting Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang laid a wreath at the Friendship Tower in Pyongyang on Monday, paying tribute to Chinese soldiers killed in the Korean War.

"Martyears of the Chinese People's Volunteers will be remembered forever," reads a note on the wreath.

The vice-premier, his entourage and accompanying officials of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) then observed a moment of silence before the tower.

After the DPRK military band played the national anthems of both countries, Li entered the tower where he skimmed through the martyears' book, watched the wall paintings describing how the Chinese volunteers joined the war and helped the DPRK people with construction.

Li said during the visit that peace does not come easily, so the achievements of construction should be treasured even more.

As a symbol of China-DPRK friendship, the Friendship Tower was completed in 1959.

Also on Monday, Li visited Kim Il Sung University where he observed Chinese-language studies and chatted with teachers and students.

Li said the future of the China-DPRK ties depends on the youths of both countries, encouraging DPRK students to promote cooperation between the two countries and pass down China-DPRK friendship from generation to generation.

Li toured the e-library of the university and donated education facilities and books.

He arrived here on Sunday for an official goodwill visit to the DPRK.