Pyongyang, November 15 (KCNA) -- The General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army on Tuesday hosted a reception in honor of the high-ranking military delegation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (CPLA) on a visit to the DPRK.

Present there on invitation were members of the delegation headed by Li Jinai, member of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China and director of the CPLA General Political Department, and Ambassador Liu Hongcai and Military, Naval and Air Attache Sun Yanfeng of the Chinese embassy here.

Kim Jong Gak, member of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea and first vice-director of the KPA General Political Bureau, General Pak Jae Gyong, Lieut. Gen. Kim Su Hak and other generals and officers of the KPA were on hand.

Addressing the reception, Kim Jong Gak said that the visit by the delegation this year when the 50th anniversary of the DPRK-China treaty of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance was jointly and significantly celebrated would mark an important occasion in promoting the friendship between the armies of the two countries on a high level.

He went on to say:

The DPRK-China friendship, provided by President Kim Il Sung together with elder revolutionaries of China, is now greeting its new heyday under the deep care of the top leaders of the two countries.

We will, together with Chinese comrades, strive to further strengthen this long-standing friendship in line with the intention of the top leaders of the two countries.

He wished the Chinese army and people greater success in their efforts to build socialism with Chinese characteristics and strengthen the revolutionary armed forces.

Li Jinai said in his speech that China and the DPRK are neighboring states lined by a mountain and rivers and traditional Sino-DPRK friendly relations are developing generation after generation.

The precious Sino-DPRK friendship which was provided and developed by Chairman Mao Zedong and President Kim Il Sung has overcome all ordeals and displayed great vitality, he said.

He was pleased with the fact that the army and the people of the DPRK are making great progress in accomplishing the cause of state building under the leadership of the WPK headed by Kim Jong Il.

He expressed belief that the army and people of heroic Korea would register greater success.