Thursday, President Hu Jintao has held meetings with Kim Jong-Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The meeting wrapped up Kim's third visit to China since May of last year.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), during their talks in Beijing, capital of China. [Xinhua]

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between China and the DPRK. During the meeting, President Hu said China is ready to make joint efforts with the DPRK to develop bilateral mechanisms, and boost substantial cooperation in all areas.

Kim Jong-Il applauded the extensive achievements in bilateral collaboration in recent years, and called for "full-flourish" trade cooperation. The two leaders also touched upon Korean Peninsula issues and other international affairs in their talks. Kim Jong-Il arrived in China last Friday.

Before the meeting in Beijing, he toured Heilongjiang, Jilin and Jiangsu provinces, and visited several factories.