Chinese vice FM visits North Korea

China and North Korea will hold a diplomatic consultation during Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin's visit to the North, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported Monday.Liu is expected to arrive in Pyongyang later on Monday and start his four-day visit, the Foreign Ministry said, according to the report.During the visit, Liu will chair a diplomatic consultation with officials from the North Korean Foreign Ministry. He will also meet with North Korean officials from other departments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.The two sides will exchange views on China-North Korea relations, the regional situation and other issues of common concern, she said, stressing that this is a routine communication between the two countries' foreign ministries, the report added. China is traditionally North Korea's closest ally and a major economic benefactor.