North Korean Premier Kim Yong-il and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao have concluded a round of talks in Beijing centered on key bilateral issues.

During their meeting Wednesday, Wen stressed the need for Beijing and Pyongyang to promote exchanges between high-level officials in a bid to strengthen political ties between the two nations.

Wen also emphasized that the two should strengthen cooperation for joint development and expand cultural and human exchanges in conjunction with this year’s events marking the 60th year of the establishment of bilateral ties. The Chinese premier also called on the North to cooperate toward efforts to resume the stalled six-way nuclear talks.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with North Korean affairs said the invitation Chinese President Hu Jintao extended to North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has been accepted.

The invitation was conveyed through senior Chinese government officials who visited Pyongyang and met with Kim in January and February.