BEIJING (Yonhap) -- The powerful uncle and key guardian of North Korea's young leader Kim Jong-un met separately with Chinese President Hu Jintao and then Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing on Friday as the two countries demonstrated strengthening relations.
Jang Song-thaek, vice chairman of the North's National Defense Commission, has been in China since Monday on a visit seen as aimed at winning economic cooperation from the North's most important ally to help revive the country's moribund economy.
Earlier this week, the two countries agreed to accelerate efforts to jointly develop the Rason, Hwanggumphyong and Wihwado economic zones in North Korea, the most tangible outcome of Jang's trip. His delegation of some 50 officials included key economic technocrats.
On Friday, Jang met with both Hu and Wen, a reception seen as aimed at demonstrating relations between the two countries are strong. China has been the North's No. 1 ally that has provided the impoverished neighbor with economic aid and diplomatic support.
In the meeting with Hu, Jang thanked Hu for taking the time to meet with him, and extended greetings of the North's leader, the ruling Workers' Party and the people, according to news reports.
Hu offered congratulations to Jang for the agreement on the special economic zones. The Chinese president also offered condolences to the victims of heavy flooding in North Korea, saying he believes the North will be able to overcome the hardship under leader Kim.
Hu also said he was pleased to meet with Jang and praised the North Korean official for playing a big role in moving relations between the two countries forward for many years.
Later in the day, Jang had a meeting with Wen during which the Chinese premier expressed condolences over the flood victims, and said he believes the North will get over the difficulties. Wen also said Jang's visit will contribute to strengthening relations between the two countries.
Jang is the highest-ranking North Korean official to visit China since Kim Jong-un took over as the North's leader after his father Kim Jong-il died in December. Jang is the husband of the late leader's younger sister, Kim Kyong-hui.
Media have speculated his trip may be a sign the North's leader could visit China.
Jang arrived in Beijing on Monday and attended the meeting of the North-China Joint Guidance Committee, where the special economic zones were discussed. He then toured Chinese provinces near the border with North Korea, such as Jilin and Liaoning, before returning to the Chinese capital for meetings with Hu and Wen.
Jang plans to return to the North on Saturday. (Yonhap)