Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Pyongyang? Sunday for an official goodwill visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

In a written statement released upon his arrival at the airport, Li said that China and the DPRK are friendly neighbors, and that the traditional friendship between the two countries dates back to ancient times.

Under the care of top leaders of both countries and thanks to concerted efforts by both sides, the relationship between China and the DPRK has been growing continuously and smoothly, he said.

Li said that China is willing to work together with the DPRK to continue to deepen their exchanges and cooperation in various fields so as to bring benefits to the two peoples.

During his stay, Li is expected to meet with leaders of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea and the DPRK government to discuss bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues of common concern.

Vice-Premier Li Keqiang's impending visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) will strengthen bilateral ties and help the peninsula move closer to the resumption of the Six-Party Talks, analysts said.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that Li will pay an official visit to the DPRK from Sunday to Tuesday at the invitation of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and the DPRK government, followed by a visit to the ROK on Wednesday and Thursday as a guest of the ROK government.

It is rare for a Chinese leader to visit the two countries back-to-back, said diplomatic sources, stressing that the visits will strengthen ties.

The visits also come at a time when positive momentum has been shown toward the resumption of the Six-Party Talks as the second round of talks between the DRPK and the United States will start next week.

Deputy Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun told reporters on Thursday that Li's visits will help safeguard peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, which is to China's northeast.