PYONGYANG, Oct. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- The major paper of Rodong Sinmunof the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Friday spoke highly of the DPRK-China traditional friendship, saying the DPRK would try hard to boost its ties with China.

    Half a month after the 55th anniversary of the forging of the two countries' diplomatic relations, the paper said in a commentary that "it is the DPRK's consistent stance to promote thetraditional DPRK-China ties, and the DPRK people would spare no effort to better them."

    Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, paid an official and friendly visit to Chinafrom Monday to Wednesday, during which he held talks separately with Chinese President Hu Jintao, China's top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao

    The commentary said Kim's visit is "a sign of the sound development of DPRK-China friendship," and is "an important chance for consolidating and pushing forward the two countries' long-timegood cooperation."

    On Oct. 6, 1949, the DPRK established diplomatic ties with the newly founded People's Republic of China, making it one of the first countries to do so.

    "The DPRK and Chinese peoples should take pride in the two countries' brotherhood, which is being solidified in the new century and with the succession of China's new leadership," the commentary said. Enditem