Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang met with a delegation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), led by Premier Choe Yong Rim, who paid a visit to China's northeast region.

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. [Wang Haofei/Xinhua]

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.