A top Chinese foreign policy official has expressed confidence in the leadership of young North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

China’s State Councilor Dai Bingguo told a visiting North Korean delegation in Beijing Sunday that the traditional friendship between China and North Korea is a precious asset. Dai said he hopes the two countries will work together to upgrade their friendly and cooperative relations to a higher level.

The North Korean delegation was led by Kim Yong-il, director of the International Department of the ruling Workers' Party.

Dai also said he was confident that North Korea will move toward achieving its goal of building a strong, prosperous country under Kim Jong-un’s leadership.