BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday said it is willing to provide aid to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) that is suffering from a serious drought.

"Our sympathy goes to the DPRK that is suffering from extremely serious drought, and it is our hope that the government and people of DPRK will overcome the disaster as soon as possible," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a daily press briefing.

Lu made the remarks when asked to comment on a report by the DPRK Central News Agency that the country is suffering from the worst drought in 100 years.

"China is willing to provide the aid that is needed by the DPRK," he said.