A reception was held in Beijing Tuesday, marking the 45th anniversary of the signing of a friendship treaty between China and North Korea.

 

Xu Jialu, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, and Yang Hyong-sop, vice president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea attended the reception.

 

The two sides hailed the friendship of the two countries since the treaty, namely, Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between China and North Korea, was signed 45 years ago.

 

Yang arrived in Beijing Tuesday morning for a five-day visit. Chinese President Hu Jintao met with him this afternoon. Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo will met with him Wednesday.

 

The reception was held by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-North Korea Friendship Association.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 12, 2006)