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Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il on Tuesday afternoon to discuss North Korea¡¯s denuclearization commitments, China¡¯s state-run Xinhua news agency reported from Pyongyang.
It was Kim¡¯s first meeting with a high-ranking representative of his country¡¯s closest ally in nine months; the last to see the reclusive dictator was Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, a special envoy of President Hu Jintao last October, right after North Korea¡¯s nuclear test. Yang told Kim two key agreements from six-nation denuclearization talks -- a Sept. 19, 2005 statement of principles and the Feb. 13, 2007 agreement on particulars -- must be implemented. The Chinese chief diplomat was quoted as expressing hope that all parties concerned "continue to take positive steps, fulfil their commitments and take vigorous actions in a comprehensive and balanced manner so as to push forward the six-party talks.¡±
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In this photo provided by China's Xinhua News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, left, shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, right, for farewell in Pyongyang on Tuesday./Xinhua-AP
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Kim said there were ¡°signs of easing¡± on the Korean Peninsula and he also agreed that the six countries in the negotiations should take active actions to accomplish the agreed goal.
The North Korean leader acknowledged China¡¯s hard work in resolving problems on the Korean Peninsula. He added Pyongyang ¡°values the traditional friendship with China and is willing to work with China to boost investment and trade ties on the basis of equality and mutual benefit,¡± according to the agency.
Yang also delivered a message from his president to Kim.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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