China and North Korea pledged in Beijing on Monday to enhance contacts and coordination so as to advance the progress of the six-party talks on the Korean peninsula nuclear issue.

In the talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Pak Ui Chun, his North Korean counterpart, Yang said it was in everyone's interests to implement the second phase acts of the six-party talks in an all-round and balanced way.

It was also the expectation of the international community, Yang told Pak.

China was willing to increase communication and coordination with North Korea to make progress, Yang said.

Pak said it was the constant stance of North Korea to de-nuclearize the Korean peninsula and that North Korea would like to work with all relevant parties to fulfil obligations.

He hailed the efforts China had made in the process of the six-party talks as the host country, expressing his wish to maintain cooperation with China.

The two sides also exchanged views on bilateral relations.

State Councilor Dai Bingguo also met with Pak on Monday.

Dai appreciated North Korea for its firm support of China on the Taiwan and Tibet issues. He also expressed gratitude for North Korea's support of the Beijing Olympics and the smooth Olympic torch relay in Pyongyang.

Pak said North Korea backed the one-China policy and supported China on the Tibet and Taiwan issues, opposed the linking of sports with politics.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2008)