On the afternoon of October 18, 2004, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Wu Bangguo held talks with President Kim Yong-nam of the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at the Great Hall of the People. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common interest in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

Wu Bangguo first of all expressed warm welcome to Kim Yong-nam for heading the DPRK state delegation to visit China on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-DPRK diplomatic ties and he was also pleased to meet Kim Yong-nam again one year after their previous meeting. Wu Bangguo said that since their diplomatic ties were established 55 years ago, the friendship between China and the DPRK has experienced various tests from complex situations and as a result has been continuously strengthened, which promotes the development of socialist causes in the two countries, safeguards the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples and actively contributes to peace and stability of this region. These achievements are valuable treasures shared by the two peoples. To earnestly summarize the historical experience in the development of China-DPRK ties is of great significance to pushing bilateral ties for more steady development. Wu Bangguo said that what we can learn from the development process of China-DPRK relations is seen in following four aspects. First, the two sides should respect each other and treat each other as equals based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Second, the two sides should maintain exchanges of high-level visits and exchange views on significant issues of common interest in a timely basis so as to consolidate the political basis of bilateral ties. Third, the two sides should strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation to seek common development and bring benefits to the two countries and their peoples. Fourth, the two sides should maintain coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs to win a peaceful, stable and friendly external environment. In the new situation, China would like to make concerted efforts with the DPRK to push the friendly cooperation for more steady development.

On behalf of the DPRK state delegation, Kim Yong-nam expressed appreciation for the invitation of the Chinese NPC Standing Committee and State Council and conveyed the greetings from General Secretary Kim Jong Il to Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Wu Bangguo. He said that in the new century under the direct instructions of leaders of the two countries, the DPRK-China traditional friendship is continuously consolidated and developed, which the DPRK is very satisfied with. Against the new background, the DPRK would like to make joint efforts with China to further strengthen high-level contacts and mutually beneficial cooperation in economy, trade and other areas so as to upgrade DPRK-China friendly cooperation to a new level.

The two sides also briefed each other on their respective domestic situations and exchanged views on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. Wu Bangguo indicated that to maintain the momentum of peace talks of the Peninsula nuclear issue and push for the resolution of substantial issues is a universal hope of the international community. Currently, the peace talks process are encountering some difficulties, however, it's believed that so long as all parties keep patient, sincere and flexible, these difficulties can be overcome and the peace talks process may and can only be continued.

Kim Yong-nam noted that currently the situation on the Korean Peninsula remains complicated, but the DPRK would like to continue trying to seek the peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue through dialogue. Wu Bangguo also briefed Kim Yong-nam on the Chinese government's decision to provide free assistance to the DPRK government.

Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai, Deputy Secretary-General of the NPC Standing Committee Wang Yunlong, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wu Donghe, Vice-chairman of the NPC Foreign Affairs Committee Wang Yingfan, Vice Foreign Minister Zhou Wenzhong and some other officials were present during the talks.

The members of the DPRK state delegation participating in the talks include Minister of Light Industry Yi Chu-o, Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Yong-il, Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade Kim, Deputy Director Kim of Department for External Affairs of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium and DPRK Ambassador to China Choi Jin-su.

Prior to the talks, Wu Bangguo held a ceremony to welcome Kim Yong-nam and his delegation for their visit to China. When Kim Yong-nam and his delegation arrived in Beijing on the morning of October 18, Vice-Chairman and Secretary-General of NPC Standing Committee Sheng Huaren and other Chinese officials welcomed them at the airport.