North Korean leader meets senior Chinese official

The official Xinhua News Agency says Li Yuanchao spoke to Mr. Kim on Monday about the countries’ strong ties and how Mr. Kim’s recent visit to China pushed bilateral cooperation to a higher level. Mr. Li is head of the Chinese Communist Party’s organization department.

In this undated photo released by Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service in Tokyo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, centre, is briefed during his visit to the Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang, North Korea. File: AP.

China’s state news agency says North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has met with a senior Chinese official in Pyongyang.

The official Xinhua News Agency says Li Yuanchao spoke to Mr. Kim on Monday about the countries’ strong ties and how Mr. Kim’s recent visit to China pushed bilateral cooperation to a higher level. Mr. Li is head of the Chinese Communist Party’s organization department.

China is North Korea’s most important diplomatic and economic supporter.

Mr. Kim’s trip to China last month was to study market—oriented reforms. North Korea and China have also recently begun a new joint economic project.

Xinhua quoted Mr. Kim as saying the countries should boost solidarity and communicate about their experiences in socialist development.