Pyongyang: China's ambassador to North Korea has visited the host country's top university and expressed hope the universities of the two countries will further strengthen cooperation and exchanges, the embassy said Thursday. Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun made the remarks during his visit to Kim Il Sung University, named after North Korea's late founder, the previous day, where he toured the school's history hall, digital library, swimming pool, and other facilities, according to the embassy's website.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Wang emphasized that cooperation in education is a key component of China-North Korea relations. Kim Il Sung University is seen as a leader in fostering cooperation and exchanges between the universities of the two nations. "For universities of the two countries to strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and to promote bilateral relations, I hope that more friendly delegations will be fostered," the embassy quoted Wang as saying.

During his visit, the ambassador also met separately with North Korean students majoring in Chinese literature and with Chinese students studying at the university. Pak Hak-chol, first deputy president at Kim Il Sung University, highlighted that the school is actively conducting exchanges with about 20 Chinese universities. He expressed hope that continued bilateral cooperation in education will contribute to the development of ties between China and North Korea.

The embassy provided additional insights into Kim Il Sung University, noting that it operates 22 departments and 63 research centers, staffed by 3,600 faculty members and catering to 20,000 students since its opening in 1946.