At the invitation of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and the DPRK government, Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, arrived at Pyongyang Sunan Airport on October 23 local time, kicking off his official goodwill visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

In a written statement released upon his arrival at the airport, Li said China and the DPRK are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, and that the traditional friendship between the two peoples dates back to ancient times. Under the care of the top leaders of both countries and thanks to concerted efforts of both sides, bilateral relations have been growing continuously and smoothly, he said. China is ready to work together with the DPRK to continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various fields so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples, Li said.

China appreciates the positive efforts of the DPRK in improving North-South relations as well as U.S.-DPRK relations and in promoting the resumption of the Six-Party Talks, Li said. China will continue playing a constructive role and is ready to work with all the parties concerned to make positive contributions to pushing forward the denuclearization process on the Korean Peninsula and maintaining regional peace, stability and development, Li added.

Li expressed his belief that his current visit will further boost the traditional friendship between the two parties, governments and peoples and advance bilateral traditional friendly and cooperative ties.

During his visit, Li is expected to hold talks and meet with DPRK leaders to discuss bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues of common concern. Li will also pay respects to Fairview Hill Memorial Palace and China-DPRK Friendship Tower and visit agricultural, educational and other projects.

Li was greeted at the airport by DPRK Vice Premier Kang Sok Ju, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), Kim Yong Il, an alternate member of the Political Bureau, secretary of the WPK Central Committee and director of the International Affairs Department of the WPK Central Committee, Mun Kyong Dok, an alternate member of the Political Bureau, secretary of the WPK Central Committee and chief secretary of the WPK Pyongyang Municipal Committee, and the DPRK vice foreign minister. Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Liu Hongcai and other officials greeted Li at the airport.