Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Kequiang urged North Korean officials Sunday to strengthen ties with South Korea and the United States.

A report Monday by China's official Xinhua news agency said Li told North Korean Premier Choe Yong Rim that improving ties with the U.S. and South Korea would promote stability in the region.

Li's plea came as the U.S. and North Korea are to meet in Geneva Monday for a second round of direct discussions aimed at reviving long-stalled nuclear disarmament negotiations.

Li arrived in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang Sunday on an official goodwill visit that is scheduled to last until Tuesday.