She said that the Sino-DPRK cultural relations have developed in width and depth over the past half a century under the care of the leaders of the two countries.

Noting that General Secretary Kim Jong Il has attached great importance to the cultural exchange between the two countries, she expressed the belief that the cultural cooperation and exchange would become more brisk under the deep concern of the top leaders of the two countries this year, a "year of Sino-DPRK friendship".

She stressed that the Sino-DPRK friendship is the blood-sealed unbreakable friendship as it was provided by the leaders of the two countries.

She noted that China is sincerely rejoiced over the fact that the revolutionary cause started by President Kim Il Sung has been successfully carried forward and is being brought to completion by Kim Jong Il.

She expressed hope that the Korean people would register bigger successes in the struggle to build a great prosperous powerful socialist nation, united close around Kim Jong Il, true to the behests of the President.