Rare Image: Chinese premier with Kim Jong-il

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in the Democratic People''s Republic of Korea (DPRK) for talks with top leader Kim Jong-il Sunday and said that he would push for the creation of a nuclear-free Korean peninsula.

Experts have said China would not have sent such a senior official unless the visit was to address tensions over North Korea's recent nuclear activities, which have recently included nuclear testing and claims the nation has made progress in enriching uranium. They predicted the topic of nuclear weapons would be on the agenda.

Wen''s three-day visit is the first by a Chinese premier in 18 years and is expected to feature reaffirmation of friendship between the two nations, with the trip coinciding with the 60th anniversary of formal relations between the neighbors, the China Daily reported.
 
Kim greeted Wen on his arrival at Pyongyang airport on Sunday morning, along with Kim Yong-nam, president of the presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's  Assembly, and DPRK Premier Kim Yong-il, Xinhua News Agency reported.
China Central Television (CCTV) showed Kim Jong-il embracing Wen after his arrival.

Text: ANI; Photograph: Reuters

Image: China's Premier Wen Jiabao waves beside North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il (right) after his arrival in Pyongyang on Sunday. Kim held talks with Wen on Sunday after making a rare appearance to greet his guest.