国内英语新闻:China, DPRK pledge to cement legislative ties

　　BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Wednesday pledged to cement legislative ties.

　　The pledge came out of talks in Beijing between Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China Wu Bangguo and Chairman of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) Choe Tae Bok.

　　In his opening remarks, Wu said the meeting was his third with Choe this year.

　　The first meeting took place when DPRK leader Kim Jong Il visited China in May. Choe was then a part of Kim's entourage.

　　Wu and Choe then met on the sidelines of an international parliamentary leaders' meeting in Geneva in July.

　　Three meetings in one year reflects our special relationship, Wu said, adding that he expects Choe's visit to boost bilateral relations and ties between the two nations' legislatures.

　　Saying China and DPRK are good neighbors, Wu noted that China-DPRK relations have withstood the tests of changes in the international arena.

　　China-DPRK relations have witnessed significant progress this year, Wu said, citing DPRK leader Kim Jong Il's two visits to China during which Chinese President Hu and Kim reached a number of important agreements.

　　Wu said it is the unswerving principle of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government to cement and develop friendly ties with the DPRK.

　　China hopes to work with the DPRK to carry out the consensus of their leaders while maintaining high-level exchanges and stepping up strategic consultation, Wu said.

　　Choe hailed China's remarkable achievements of the reform and opening-up and China's modernization drive, expressing hope the Chinese people will make further progress in building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

　　On legislative ties, Wu said the NPC and the SPA play crucial roles in their countries' politics.

　　The NPC hopes to work closely with the SPA on state governance and legal system building while boosting communication and consultation on international and regional parliamentary organizations, Wu said.

　　Choe began a five-day visit to China Tuesday. After spending time in Beijing, he will travel to northeast China's Jilin Province.