DPRK Premier Goes to China

Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang (R) shakes hands with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea(DPRK) Premier Choe Yong Rim during their meeting in Changcun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Nov. 3, 2010. (Xinhua/Wang Haofei)

DPRK Choe Yong Rim traveled to northeastern China.  Yonhap citing a Chinese newspaper reported that Choe arrived with delelgation in Harbin “earlier this week”  and toured Changchun on Wednesday.  Xinhua reports that Choe met with PRC Vice Premier Zhng Deijiang with Changchun:

Zhang said China will make joint efforts with the DPRK to expand and deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation and promote the China-DPRK friendship to a new height so as to benefit both countries and peoples as well as contribute to regional peace, stability and development.

The Chinese government supports the expansion of cooperation and joint development between the DPRK and China’s northeast region, which borders the DPRK and has close associations with the country, Zhang said.

Choe congratulated China on its economic and social development, saying that the DPRK was willing to draw experience from China and further strengthen its exchanges and cooperation with the country.

On 2 November KCNA reported that a delegation from Rodong Sinmun left to visit China.  These two excursions occurred one week after the Ji Jae Ryong replaced Choe Pyong Gwan as the DPRK’s ambassador to PRC.  Choe has served as ambassador for six months.