AKIPRESS.COM - China's President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of "friendly" ties with North Korea, during a visit by a high-ranking Pyongyang official, says BBC.

The visit from Workers Party Vice-Chairman Ri Su-yong is being seen as an attempt by the two countries to patch up their relationship.

It has been strained by North Korea's recent military activity.

Ri also delivered a message from leader Kim Jong-un saying the North would not end its nuclear program.

North Korea's KCNA state news agency reported that Kim had vowed to continue with his policy of economic progress alongside nuclear development.

China's Xinhua state news agency made no mention of the nuclear comments, but said Kim hoped to build closer ties with China. It quoted Xi repeating China's policy on the Korean peninsula, calling for calm and restraint, increased communication and regional stability.

Ri's visit to China is the first by a North Korean official since a once-in-a-generation Workers Party Congress last month.