PYONGYANG, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with his Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) counterpart Kim Yong Il Sunday afternoon on efforts to further bilateral ties.

The China-DPRK friendship, fostered by founders of the two countries and subject to all tests of the changing times, has been constantly strengthened and improved, Wen said.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and coincides with the China-DPRK Friendship Year, he noted.

The Chinese premier said that for six decades, China and the DPRK have supported each other politically, helped each other economically and learned from each other culturally.

They have also coordinated with each other on multilateral issues and made positive contributions to their respective development and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the region as a whole, the premier added.