North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui-chun said on Monday his country will work with China to further deepen bilateral relations.

Pak made the remarks at the new-year reception held by the Chinese Embassy to North Korea.

"The China-North Korea friendship is strong and the bilateral cooperation and exchange between the two countries are developing in an all-round way under the efforts of the leaders of the two countries," the foreign minister said.

Pak also expressed thanks to China for providing emergency aid to his country following the flood in August which left at least 600 people dead and 100,000 homeless.

Chinese Ambassador Liu Xiaoming also pledged continued efforts to enhance ties with North Korea.

"It is China's unwavering resolve to make continued efforts to consolidate and strengthen the friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries," the Chinese ambassador said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2007)