North Korean Premier Kim Yong-il will visit China in late March, Japan’s Kyodo News Agency reported Saturday, quoting sources informed about China-North Korea relations.
China and North Korea mark the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties this year, which they designated as a "year of friendship," and the visit is scheduled to reflect that spirit, Kyodo said, adding Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is also expected to travel to North Korea sometime after October.
It would be the first time, if materialized, for the premiers of the two countries to visit each other’s country.
The last time a North Korean premier visited China was in January 2006 when Pak Pong-ju accompanied North Korean leader Kim Jong-il on a trip to the country.
Beijing and Pyongyang are planning a series of exchanges to mark the anniversary this year. Among the events planned are an opening ceremony for "a year of friendship" in Beijing, and a closing ceremony in Pyongyang, the report said, adding that the premiers will make their visits to attend those ceremonies.