PYONGYANG - Chinese ambassador to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Li Jinjun on Monday explained China's strategic vision of the Belt and Road Initiative in his meeting with DPRK Vice-Foreign Minister Ri Gil Song.

Li noted that China is actively practicing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and has initiated and is pushing ahead the Belt and Road Initiative, which bring new historic opportunities for its neighbors and regional cooperation.

Friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries have unique advantages in politics, trade and economic development, geography and people-to-people exchange, he added.

"China and the DPRK are linked by rivers and mountains, and the China-DPRK friendship has a time-honored history," said Li.

He said the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government highly value China-DPRK relations and have considered constant consolidation and development of China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations as an unswerving policy.

Under the new period and the new situation, both countries need to carry forward their traditional friendship, Li said.

And more importantly, China and the DPRK should look to the future, keep up with the times, be innovative, seek common ground while shelving differences, and seize the opportunity to deepen practical cooperation in various fields in order to promote sound and steady development of the relationship, said the ambassador.

Li briefed Ri on China's politics, economy and social development and appreciated the DPRK's achievements in economic development and improvement of people's livelihood.

Ri welcomed Li on his assumption of office in Pyongyang and expected Li to make positive contributions to advancing bilateral ties during his term.

Ri noted that the DPRK-China friendship is a valuable wealth shared by both sides.

Consolidating and developing the DPRK-China friendly and cooperative relations as required by the new century serves the common interests of both peoples and the DPRK is willing to work together with China to that end, he said.