BEIJING - Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met here on Thursday with Jang Song Thaek, chief of the central administrative department of the Workers' Party of Korea.

Wang spoke highly of the relations forged between China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in recent years. He voiced congratulations on progress made this week in developing two economic zones in the DPRK, saying that China is ready to work with the DPRK to deepen cooperation in all areas including the economy and trade.

A joint steering committee for developing and managing the Rason Economic and Trade Zone and the Hwanggumphyong and Wihwa Islands Economic Zone in the DPRK held its third meeting in Beijing on Tuesday, presided over by Jang as well as Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen Deming.

In his meeting with Wang, Jang hailed efforts by the Chinese side to develop the zones. He said the DPRK is willing to make joint efforts with China to firmly implement the important consensus reached by both leaders so as to lift the traditional DPRK-China friendship to a new height.

The two sides also exchanged views on their domestic situations and other issues of common concern. Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Liu Hongcai, Deputy Head of the CPC International Department Liu Jieyi and DPRK Ambassador to China Chi Jae Ryong also attended the meeting.

The Rason Economic and Trade Zone is in the city of Rason in the northeast of the DPRK, adjacent to Yanbian prefecture in northeast China's Jilin Province.

The Hwanggumphyong and Wihwa Islands Economic Zone is near the estuary of the Yalu River, a border river that runs between the two countries.