PYONGYANG, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Premier Kim Yong Il met China's new ambassador, Liu Hongcai, here Tuesday.

During the meeting which was also attended by Vice-Premier Ro Tu Chol at the Mansudae Assembly Hall, the DPRK officials said they highly appreciated the relationship between the DPRK and China.

Kim warmly welcomed Liu, saying the DPRK and China held a series of activities last year to mark the two countries' year of friendship and the bilateral relationship had witnessed constant achievements in areas of politics, economy and culture, especially in the commercial sector, from the beginning of this year.

Kim expressed thanks for the support of the Chinese party, government and people to the DPRK on socialistic construction, saying the DPRK people would never forget it and it was the unswerving stand of the DPRK's party and government to continue consolidating and developing the DPRK-China friendship.

Liu said the activities held by China and the DPRK last year to mark the friendship served as a good opportunity for young people in the two countries to exchange views and develop friendship.

He said he would make efforts to boost relations between the two countries and expand areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Liu, who arrived in Pyongyang on March 5, presented his credentials on March 8 to Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly.