China extends invitation to N. Korea's Kim

BEIJING, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao has invited North Korean leader Kim Jong Il to visit China at his convenience, officials said.

The invitation was extended to an official of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party who attended a meeting in China during which the two countries pledged to grow their ties while marking their 60-year alliance, China Daily reported Friday.

"The party and the government of China are ready to strive with the Korean comrades to put the relations of friendship between the two countries on a new stage, defend regional peace and stability, and achieve common development and prosperity by further expanding cooperation and visits in all fields," North Korea's state news agency said.

After a visit by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao earlier in October, North Korean officials indicated they may consider participating in bilateral talks with the United States and return to so-called six-party talks over its nuclear program, CNN reported. China, Japan, Russia, the United States and the Koreas are involved in the six-party negotiations.