Wen Jiabao, the Chinese premier, has arrived in Pyongyang for a three-day visit marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries [Reuters]
Published On 5 Oct 20095 Oct 2009
Landing in Pyongyang, Wen was personally welcomed at the airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. Kim has reportedly been suffering from serious illness [Reuters]
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China is North Korea's closest ally and the Chinese premier was given a lavish red-carpet welcome as his motorcade drove in to Pyongyang [EPA]
Although the visit is officially to mark six decades of diplomatic ties, analysts expect that behind the scenes Wen will step up pressure on North Korea to return to nuclear disarmament talks [Reuters]
China is North Korea's main source of oil and other crucial aid to prop up its imoverished economy [Reuters]
In a joint message issued at the start of talks, the two countries said their relations helped protect [AFP]
