12:32 GMT, November 23, 2009 At the invitation of the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Liang Guanglie, state councilor and defense minister of the People’s Republic of China, arrived in Pyongyang on November 22 via air to kick off his 5-day-long visit to the DPRK.

Liang Guanglie said in his written speech at the airport that China and the DPRK are close neighbors with common mountains and rivers, and the traditional friendship between the two countries has taken roots in the hearts of peoples of the two countries and withstood the test of time and vicissitudes of international situation. In recent years, under the kind concerns and the powerful boost of the leaders of the two countries, the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK got constant solidification and development and presented strong vitality and vigor.

The purpose of this visit is to strengthen the friendly contacts between the armed forces of China and the DPRK and promote the exchange and cooperation between the peoples and armed forces of the two countries. The Chinese side is willing to work together with the DPRK side to make positive contributions to the brighter future of the two countries and the peace, stability and development of the region and even the world, Liang Guanglie continued in his written speech.

On the very day, General Kim Yong-chol, minister of the People’s Armed Forces of the DPRK, greeted Liang Guanglie in Pyongyang and accompanied Liang Guanglie to view the guard of honor of the People’s Army of the DPRK.

General Park Jae-gyong, deputy minister of the People’s Armed Forces of the DPRK and other senior officers of the People’s Army of the DPRK as well as Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese ambassador to the DPRK, embassy staff and representatives of Chinese students overseas were also present at the welcoming ceremony.

(Translated by China Military Online)