Kim congratulates 63rd anniversary of Chinese gov 't

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un Monday sent a congratulatory message to Chinese President Hu Jintao on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the foundation of the Chinese government, North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency reported.

"We, on behalf of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government and people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea,extend a warm congratulations and greetings to you and, through you, to the Communist Party of China and the government and people of the PRC on its 63rd anniversary," Kim was quoted as saying.

The DPRK is North Korea's official name. China's official name is the People's Republic of China.

Kim, who took over from his late father Kim Jong-il in December, expressed hope that the traditional alliance between the two communist allies will continue through cooperation between the parties, governments and peoples of the two countries.

China has been the sole benefactor of North Korea, which is struggling amid tough international sanctions over its nuclear and missile tests in recent years. (Yonhap News)