Officials of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and China on Thursday pledged to boost bilateral friendship and contribute to peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

The people of the DPRK will cooperate with their Chinese counterparts to enhance bilateral relations, said Choe Chang Sik, chairman of the Central Committee of the DPRK-China Friendship Association, at a meeting marking the 50th anniversary of the association's founding.

The meeting also marked the 50th anniversary of the China-DPRK Friendship Association.

The staff of the DPRK-China Friendship Association will devote themselves to the development and consolidation of bilateral ties with China, said Choe.

Wu Donghe, chairman of the China-DPRK Friendship Association, said his organization will continue to strengthen communication and understanding with its DPRK counterpart and make the best of its role to promote bilateral friendship.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2008)