North Korea's once-closest allies have welcomed the planned resumption of talks between the North and its rival, South Korea. 

China and Russia, Tuesday, issued statements in support of the dialogue, expected to begin again next week. Both countries said the talks are a key element to guaranteeing security on the Korean peninsula. 

South Korea's government cautioned Tuesday against high expectations for the talks. A special aide to South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, Lim Dong-won, will travel to Pyongyang on April 3. He is expected to stay about four days. 

The South Korean foreign minister, Choi Sung-hong, will visit Beijing later this week for talks on his country's reconciliation efforts with the North. Foreign Minister Choi is expected to ask his Chinese counterpart Tang Jiaxuan for Beijing's support in achieving long-term peace and stability on the peninsula. 

The two Koreas conducted a historic leaders summit in June 2000, but the peace process has stalled since then. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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