The friendship between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has a long and glorious historical tradition and is a precious treasure for both sides, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said here Friday.

Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when holding talks with Choe Ryong Hae, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).

Liu, also a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, extended his warm congratulation to the DPRK on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the WPK, and positively evaluated the country's achievements in the national economy and the people's livelihood under the leadership of WPK First Secretary Kim Jong Un.

The senior CPC official, who is leading a CPC delegation to attend activities marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the WPK, said his visit fully embodies the importance the CPC and the Chinese government have attached to the bilateral friendly ties.

China and the DPRK should enhance high-level political communication, advance pragmatic cooperation in fields including trade and economy, enrich cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and conduct closer cooperation in multilateral fields, so as to write a new chapter for China-DPRK friendship, he said.

Choe said the two countries should value their traditional friendship, expressing his belief that Liu's visit will contribute to the development of the friendly relations.

Choe recalled his visit to China last month, saying the DPRK side sincerely hopes that China will make new achievements in comprehensively building a moderately prosperous society.

On the issue of the Korean Peninsula, Liu reiterated China's principled stand, stressing that China firmly supports improvement of ties, reconciliation and cooperation between the north and the south, and eventual realization of peaceful reunification.

Choe said the situation of the Korean Peninsula concerns peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the whole world.

The DPRK will continue to advance the dialogue between the north and the south, so as to create a favorable environment for the development of the country, he said.

Liu arrived here Friday morning for a four-day visit to the DPRK at the invitation of the WPK Central Committee.