Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Chinese Party and Government Delegation Feted

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

    Pyongyang, September 10 (KCNA) -- The Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea gave a banquet at the People's Palace of Culture this evening in honor of the Chinese party and government delegation led by Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, on an official goodwill visit to the DPRK Yon Hyong Muk, vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, in a speech at the banquet said that the DPRK visit paid by the Chinese party and government delegation together with a large art troupe at a significant time the DPRK and China will greet the 55th anniversary of the signing of diplomatic relations is a clear proof that the new collective leadership of China headed by Hu Jintao sets great store by the development of the DPRK-China relations.
    The traditional DPRK-China friendship is now comprehensively and viably developing in all fields including politics, economy and culture under the deep care of the top leaders of the two countries, he said, and went on:
    The successful visit to the People's Republic of China by leader Kim Jong Il in April this year, in particular, marked an important occasion of historic significance in putting the DPRK-China friendly and cooperative relations on a new higher stage.
    The speaker expressed belief that the DPRK-China friendly and cooperative relations will develop on better terms under the care of the leaders of the two countries.
    We are sincerely rejoiced over the fact that the national strength of the CPC is being further increased and China's international position is rising as days go by, he said, heartily wishing the Chinese people great success in their endeavors for socialist modernization and the complete reunification of the country this significant year marking the 55th national day and the 5th anniversary of the return of Macao to China.
    Speaking at the banquet, Li Changchun said that the Chinese party and government delegation is very happy to visit the DPRK, a close neighbor, at the invitation of the WPK Central Committee and the DPRK government and with the friendly feelings of the Chinese people toward the fraternal Korean people and the desire to further consolidate and develop the traditional Sino-DPRK friendship,with the approach of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the China-DPRK diplomatic relations.
    The establishment of the bilateral diplomatic relations opened a broad avenue for the development of the bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation as an important symbol of the traditional relations of friendship between the two countries, he said, and went on:
    Over the past 55 years the two parties, countries and peoples have accelerated the cause of socialist construction and striven for global peace and stability, sharing bitters and sweets and advancing hand in hand with each other.
    We are obliged to further develop the bilateral relations of friendship provided and fostered by the leaders of old generation and bring eternal happiness to the peoples of the two countries.
    He expressed belief that the bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation would further develop under the deep care of the top leaders of the two parties and by the positive efforts of the governments and peoples of the two countries.
    Under the guidance of President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and the WPK, the Korean people have reliably defended the sovereignty and dignity of the country and made signal achievements in the socialist revolution and construction, Li noted.
    We are sincerely rejoiced over these achievements, he said, hoping that the Korean people will make greater success in building Korean-style socialism and realizing the cause of independent and peaceful reunification under the leadership of Kim Jong Il.