Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday held talks with his counterpart from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Yong Il.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with his counterpart of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Yong Il at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 18, 2009. [Xinhua]

Wen put forth a four-point proposal to enhance ties with the DPRK. It includes:

-- Maintaining high-level exchanges to cement a political foundation for the relationship.

-- Deepening substantial cooperation to achieve common development. China will cooperate in various ways with the DPRK in trade and investment, mining exploration and infrastructure.

-- Increasing personnel and cultural exchanges and promoting friendship and bilateral ties through the "China-DPRK Friendship Year".

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (second row, R6) and DPRK Premier Kim Yong Il (second row, L5) attend the premiere of "China-DPRK Friendship Year", in Beijing, March 18, 2009. [Xinhua]

-- Strengthening coordination on major international and regional issues and pushing the six-party talks forward. China would like to continue its constructive role in realizing denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) and Premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Yong Il inspect an honour guard during an official welcome ceremony outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing March 18, 2009. [Agencies] More photos

"The Communist Party of China and the government have all along viewed the relationship with the DPRK from a strategic perspective," Wen said.

He pledged China would make joint efforts with the DPRK to expand mutually beneficial cooperation to better serve the peoples under the principle of "inheriting tradition, aiming at the future, good-neighborly and friendly relations, and enhancing cooperation."

Kim said the DPRK valued its traditional friendship with China and would use the "China-DPRK Friendship Year" to expand cooperation in all areas.

Kim is on an official goodwill visit to China and to attend a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the China-DPRK diplomatic relationship and the launch of the China-DPRK Friendship Year in Beijing.

Wen asked Kim to convey his greetings to DPRK leaders.

Wen said China and the DPRK were good neighbors and shared a profound friendship.

"With our joint efforts, China-DPRK relations have developed soundly," Wen said.

"This works for the development of both countries and contributes to regional peace and stability," Wen said.

Wen said the DPRK was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with China.

"Your visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations and the China-DPRK Friendship Year in Beijing," Wen said.

"The visit will help push the development of bilateral relations and enhance friendship between the two peoples."

Wen said he would like to exchange views with Kim on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

Saying this was his first visit to China since taking office in April 2007, Kim first extended the regards of the DPRK leaders to Wen.

Kim congratulated China on successfully convening the top legislature's latest annual session.

He also hailed China's efforts to cope with the impact of the global financial crisis and its fight against severe drought.

Kim reiterated that the DPRK would unswervingly support the Chinese government's stance on the Taiwan issue, Tibet-related issues and human rights.

Later Wednesday, Wen and Kim will attend the opening gala for the China-DPRK Friendship Year in Beijing.

During his five-day visit to China, Kim will also hold talks with other Chinese state leaders.