Kim Yong-nam, president of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), met in Pyongyang Wednesday with visiting Chinese Defense Minister General Chi Haotian.

Chi, also vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, said Kim is an old friend of the Chinese people. Chi added that he feels at home in the DPRK because he was a veteran during the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953).

"While commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers entering the war,'' Chi said, "we want to emphasize that the Chinese people will never forget the friendship formed between Korea and China during those hard times.''

"In the new century, the Chinese people and military, under the leadership of President Jiang Zemin, will consolidate and develop this traditional friendship between the two peoples and between the military in the two countries,'' he added.

Chi approved of the achievements made by the DPRK in the economic and defense modernization drive, and the struggle for national independence, peace and reunification.

Chi said China will persist in its efforts to uphold peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and will support all reasonable proposals for reconciliation between the North and the South.

Kim welcomed the visit by Chi and the Chinese military delegation. He said the Korean people would never forget the help received from the Chinese Government and people 50 years ago.

Kim also discussed with Chi the present relationship between the DPRK and South Korea, and the DPRK's internal situation.

(Xinhua 10/26/2000)