Pak Bong-ju, North Korean premier, on Saturday met with Vice Premier Wu Yi, head of a visiting Chinese government delegation.

During the meeting at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang, Wu said the two countries should make joint efforts to promote trade and economic cooperation under the principle of friendship, mutual benefit and common development.

China would like to play a role in North Korea's natural resources exploration and infrastructure construction, Wu said.

Pak said North Korea has always attached great importance to the friendly cooperative relationship with China and appreciated China's longtime support and assistance in every aspect.

"North Korea is building its economy, and we have confidence in overcoming difficulties and realizing economic development," he added.

North Korea is willing to actively expand trade and economic cooperation with China and fulfill agreements reached between the two sides, Pak said. "North Korea welcomes investment from China."

Pak thanked the Chinese government for its help in building the Tae-an Friendship Glass Factory, which North Korean top leader Kim Jong-il had visited recently.

Wu also paid tribute to North Korea's late leader Kim Il-sung at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace.

Wu arrived in Pyongyang on Saturday for a three-day official goodwill visit with a delegation grouping Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai.

(Xinhua News Agency October 9, 2005)