Kim Jong Il wants stronger ties with China

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has told a Chinese official he wants to see greater cooperation between his country and China.

Kim met with Chinese Councilor and Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu, who arrived in Pyongyang Sunday at the invitation of North Korea's security minister, China's official news agency Xinhua reported Tuesday.

The North Korean leader said 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between China and North Korea.

He expressed satisfaction over the continuous and smooth development of relations between the two countries in various fields.

Meng agreed, adding that China and North Korea have worked well together on regional and global affairs, and contributed to peace and stability in the region.