ID :
51034
Tue, 03/17/2009 - 17:34
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/51034
The shortlink copeid
N. Korean premier embarks on trip to China
(ATTN: UPDATES with Kim's itinerary, Beijing spokesman's remark, N.K. media report)
BEIJING, March 17 (Yonhap) -- North Korean Premier Kim Yong-il began on Tuesday
his five-day trip to China, where he will attend an opening ceremony marking the
60th anniversary of bilateral relations and meet with Chinese leaders.
Kim, accompanied by industry-related Cabinet ministers, arrived in Beijing amid
tensions surrounding his country's planned rocket launch.
After the ceremony for the opening of the "year of Sino-DPRK friendship," the
premier is scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wen Jiabao, on
Wednesday and meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao the following day.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said the high-profile meetings will
broadly cover bilateral, regional and international issues, an indication that
they may touch on North Korea's rocket launch.
"The situation of the Korean Peninsula is still very complicated, and there is an
increasing number of uncertain factors," Qin told reporters.
North Korea's state media gave no details on the purpose of Kim's visit, saying
he is paying an "official goodwill visit" to China. But his entourage, including
the ministers of metal industry, agriculture, foreign trade and culture,
suggested economy and trade with China are high on his agenda.
After arriving at the Beijing Capital International Airport, Kim flew to Jinan,
the capital of Shandong Province, and visited Qufu, the hometown of ancient
Chinese philosopher Confucius, as well as agricultural facilities in the
province.
China fought for North Korea in the 1950-53 Korean War against South Korea and
the United States and is a major donor to the impoverished North. South Korea's
humanitarian aid to Pyongyang was suspended about a year ago amid faltering
cross-border relations.
Speculation has mounted that the allies may arrange a new summit this year. Hu
invited North Korean leader Kim Jong-il to Beijing through a letter, and Kim has
accepted it, according to China's Xinhua news agency in January.
Seoul officials believe Kim Jong-il, 67, has recovered enough to travel to China
after allegedly suffering a stroke in August.
hkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
BEIJING, March 17 (Yonhap) -- North Korean Premier Kim Yong-il began on Tuesday
his five-day trip to China, where he will attend an opening ceremony marking the
60th anniversary of bilateral relations and meet with Chinese leaders.
Kim, accompanied by industry-related Cabinet ministers, arrived in Beijing amid
tensions surrounding his country's planned rocket launch.
After the ceremony for the opening of the "year of Sino-DPRK friendship," the
premier is scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wen Jiabao, on
Wednesday and meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao the following day.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said the high-profile meetings will
broadly cover bilateral, regional and international issues, an indication that
they may touch on North Korea's rocket launch.
"The situation of the Korean Peninsula is still very complicated, and there is an
increasing number of uncertain factors," Qin told reporters.
North Korea's state media gave no details on the purpose of Kim's visit, saying
he is paying an "official goodwill visit" to China. But his entourage, including
the ministers of metal industry, agriculture, foreign trade and culture,
suggested economy and trade with China are high on his agenda.
After arriving at the Beijing Capital International Airport, Kim flew to Jinan,
the capital of Shandong Province, and visited Qufu, the hometown of ancient
Chinese philosopher Confucius, as well as agricultural facilities in the
province.
China fought for North Korea in the 1950-53 Korean War against South Korea and
the United States and is a major donor to the impoverished North. South Korea's
humanitarian aid to Pyongyang was suspended about a year ago amid faltering
cross-border relations.
Speculation has mounted that the allies may arrange a new summit this year. Hu
invited North Korean leader Kim Jong-il to Beijing through a letter, and Kim has
accepted it, according to China's Xinhua news agency in January.
Seoul officials believe Kim Jong-il, 67, has recovered enough to travel to China
after allegedly suffering a stroke in August.
hkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
