PYONGYANG, Feb. 19 -- China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a diplomatic consultation here during Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin's four-day visit to the DPRK.

During the visit, Liu held a diplomatic consultation with officials from the DPRK's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also met with officials from such departments as Korea Workers' Party and DPRK Economic Development Commission.

The two sides exchanged views on China-DPRK relations, the regional situation and other issues of common concern.

Liu said that China attaches great importance to China-DPRK relations, and is willing to expand pragmatic cooperation and promote the bilateral relations with mutual respect on each other' s interests.

Liu said China hopes all parties concerned to work together to promote the easing of tensions on the Peninsula, to maintain peace and stability on the Peninsula and to create conditions for an early resumption of the six-party talks.

The DPRK side said that Pyongyang is willing to work with Beijing to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is the consistent stand of the DPRK and Pyongyang is willing to do its best to promote resumption of the six-party talks, by strengthening coordination with China to jointly safeguard peace and stability on the peninsula and the region.

Liu arrived in Pyongyang later on Monday, which is a routine communication between the two countries' foreign ministries.