BEIJING — Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua on July 11 called on China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to promote friendly communication and pragmatic cooperation to better benefit the two countries and peoples.

Hu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a banquet celebrating the 58th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance Between China and the DPRK.

Hu said bilateral relations between China and the DPRK had gone through an extraordinary journey since the establishment of diplomatic ties 70 years ago.

China stands ready to work with the DPRK to implement the important consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders, strengthen exchanges of development experience, promote friendly communication and pragmatic cooperation to better benefit the two countries and the two peoples, as well as making positive contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity, Hu said.

The DPRK ambassador to China, Chi Jae Ryong, said the DPRK would work with China to carry forward the traditional friendship and enhance sound cooperation between the two countries in order to promote bilateral ties to a new high.