Visiting Premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Yong Il (C) arrives in Beijing, capital of China, March 17, 2009, kicking off his official goodwill visit to China.(Xinhua/Rao Aimin)  Photo Gallery>>>

    PYONGYANG, Mar. 17 (Xinhua) -- Kim Yong Il, premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), left Pyongyang on Tuesday for Beijing for a five-day official visit to China.

    Kim was accompanied by heads of DPRK's metal industry ministry, agriculture ministry, foreign trade ministry and culture ministry on his trip.

Visiting Premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Yong Il (FRONT C) arrives in Beijing, capital of China, March 17, 2009, kicking off his official goodwill visit to China. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) Photo Gallery>>>

    Ro Tu Chol, vice premier of the DPRK and Hao Xiaofei, Chinese charge d'affaires, went to the airport to see him off.

    Kim said in an written interview with Xinhua before his leaving that the DPRK will further consolidate and develop friendly ties with China in the "Year of DPRK-China Friendship."

    Kim, invited by Chinese premier Wen Jiabao, will visit China from March 17 to 21. He will attend the opening ceremony of the "Year of DPRK-China Friendship."

    The two countries' leaders have set this year, the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties, the "Year of DPRK-China Friendship."