North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has met with China’s Vice President Xi Jinping, a man likely to become the president of China in five years.

Chinese media said Kim and Xi met in Pyongyang Wednesday and discussed a range of issues, including the North Korean nuclear issue, the promotion of bilateral ties, the Beijing Olympics and the deadly earthquake in Sichuan Province.

According to reports, Xi said Beijing supports the North's efforts to improve its ties with the United States and Japan through dialogue. He stressed the need for all parties concerned to join forces for the six-way nuclear dismantlement process to enter a new phase.

In response, the reclusive North Korean leader said the six-nation talks have yielded significant agreements and created a great consensus. He added that he hopes to further promote friendly relations and cooperation with China as it is the host of the nuclear negotiations.