North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is known to have attended a dinner party for new Chinese ambassador to Pyongyang Liu Hongcai Saturday.

The North's official Korean Central News Agency says the central and defense committees of the North's ruling Workers' Party held a dinner party for Liu and that Kim attended.

The report did not mention the venue for the party but Pyongyang is known to be the location.

Kim is believed to be staying in the North amid media reports saying his visit to China is imminent.

His attendance at the party seems to reflect the close ties between Beijing and Pyongyang, as it is unusual for Kim to attend such a party.