North Korean premier visits China

BEIJING, March 17 (UPI) -- North Korean Premier Kim Yong Il arrived in Beijing Tuesday to kick off a five-day official goodwill visit, officials said.

Kim's visit, his first to China since taking office in 2007, commemorates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, Xinhua, the state-run Chinese news agency, reported.

Officials said the last time a North Korean premier visited China was in January 2006 when Pak Pong Ju accompanied leader Kim Jong Il on an official visit.

Xinhua said Kim Yong Il will have talks with Chinese leaders and attend a ceremony marking the China-North Korea Friendship Year in 2009.