Photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on July 26, 2015 shows top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-un making a congratulatory speech at the 4th National Conference of War Veterans on July 25, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua/KCNA]

PYONGYANG - Top leader Kim Jong-un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday paid tribute to the Chinese People's Volunteer Army (CPVA) for its role in his country's liberation, official media reported Sunday.

"I extend noble respects to the martyrs of the Korean People's Army and the Chinese People's Volunteers," Kim said in a speech at the fourth National Conference of War Veterans, which was released by the Korean Central News Agency.

Those martyrs, added the DPRK leader, "laid down their precious lives in the sacred war for the freedom and independence of the country and peace."

"I also offer my noble respects to the veterans of the Chinese People's Volunteers who fought shoulder to shoulder with our People's Army soldiers at the cost of their blood for the freedom and independence of the Korean people and peace in the East," he said.