PYONGYANG, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) met Monday with Li Yuanchao, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Li first conveyed the cordial greetings of Chinese President Hu Jintao to Kim, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the National Defense Commission of the DPRK.

Li, also a secretary of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat and head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, spoke highly of the ties between the two parties and two countries. Li said Kim's successful visit to China in May pushed bilateral friendly cooperation to a higher level.

Chinais willing to work with the DPRK to fulfill the consensus reached between the top leaders of the two parties and countries, strengthen strategic communication and deepen politic mutual trust, expand practical cooperation and maintain communication and coordination on major regional and international issues, he said.

Li expressed belief that under the leadership of Kim, the DPRK would reach its goal of opening the gate of a prosperous and powerful nation in 2012.

Kim asked Li to convey his greetings and goodwill to President Hu.

Kim said he reached important consensus with the leaders of the CPC and the Chinese government on consolidating and strengthening traditional DPRK-China friendship.

Under the current complex international situation, it is of great importance for the two parties and countries to boost solidarity and cooperation and communicate on socialist construction experiences, he said.

The DPRK would like to join hands with China to enhance high-level contacts, maintain close coordination, boost practical cooperation, expand cultural exchange and safeguard regional peace and stability, he said.

Li arrived here on Friday. During his stay, he also met Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, and Choe Tae Bok, chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly.