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

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 friendship between China and the DPRK, saying bilateral cooperation has been developing smoothly and China is ready to work with the DPRK to promote the ties.

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

The DPRK-China ties should be further strengthened in the new century, he said.

Both sides discussed the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. Yang called for the "full implementation" of the existing agreements on the issue.

He expressed hope that all parties concerned will "continue to take positive steps, fulfill their commitments and take initial actions in a comprehensive and balanced manner so as to push forward the six-party talks."

Kim said there have been some "signs of easing" on the peninsula and all parties concerned should take initial actions.

China has worked hard to resolve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the DPRK hopes to continue to communicate and coordinate with China on the issue, he said.

Yang arrived in Pyongyang on Monday for a three-day visit after concluding a trip to Mongolia. He met with DPRK Premier Kim Yong Il on Tuesday.

Economic cooperation is an important part of China's relations with the DPRK, Yang told Kim Yong Il at the meeting.

China will make joint efforts with DPRK to promote cooperation in the fields of agriculture, light industry, natural resources, information industry and technology, he said.

Kim, the premier, said the DPRK values the traditional friendship with China and is willing to work with China to boost investment and trade ties on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

During his stay, Yang also held talks with his DPRK counterpart Pak Ui Chun and exchanged views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern.