The leaders of China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched the "Year of China-DPRK Friendship" on Thursday by exchanging congratulatory messages.

In his message, Chinese President Hu Jintao said China and the DPRK are friendly neighboring countries and the peoples of the two countries enjoy deep and traditional friendship.

The year 2009 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In the past 60 years, thanks to the joint efforts by the two countries, the friendship and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK have been consolidated and developed all the time, Hu said.

Hu said that the two countries have been maintaining close exchanges at all levels and dynamic cooperation in all fields, while keeping good coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs.

The development of bilateral relations not only conforms to the fundamental interests and common will of the two peoples, but also contributes to the peace and stability of the region, Hu said.

Hu said the "year of China-DPRK friendship" serves as a symbol of constant development of the relations between the two countries.

During the year of friendship, China is willing to work together with the DPRK to further enhance friendship, promote exchanges and deepen cooperation through a variety of activities, in order to have a better future of China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations, he said.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Il said the peoples of the two countries will further deepen mutual understanding and friendship through the year of friendship.

Kim expressed his belief that the traditional DPRK-China friendly relations will be further strengthened and developed in the new year.

(Xinhua News Agency January 1, 2009)