Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has held a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, including high-level exchanges and strategic communications, as reported by the North's state media.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting took place on Thursday in Pyongyang during Li's visit to North Korea for the 80th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the North's Workers' Party of Korea. This marked the first visit by China's second-highest-ranking leader to Pyongyang in 16 years. During the discussions, Kim and Li addressed the potential for expanding high-level visits, strategic communication, and multi-faceted exchange to advance the friendly and cooperative relations between their nations.
Li emphasized that the two countries are beginning a new chapter in their bilateral relationship under the strategic guidance of their state leaders. He reiterated China's unwavering strategic policy to preserve, strengthen, and develop China-DPRK relations. DPRK is the official name for North Korea, standing for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Kim echoed Li's sentiment, expressing North Korea's commitment to fostering more robust relations through joint efforts to achieve socialist goals alongside Chinese comrades. He also extended his wishes for China's success in building a modern socialist state.
The visit follows Kim's recent trip to Beijing, where he attended a military parade and engaged in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both countries are working to restore bilateral ties that have been strained due to North Korea's military alignment with Russia.
In a separate report, China's Xinhua News Agency quoted Kim as describing the North Korea-China relationship as "unbreakable" and stressed that maintaining and developing cooperative ties is the steadfast position of North Korea's party and government, irrespective of international changes. Kim also expressed his support for the "one-China principle" and opposed separatist actions related to Taiwan independence, aligning with China's positions on issues concerning Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet.
The KCNA also mentioned that Xi sent a congratulatory message to Kim on the party's founding anniversary, reaffirming China's commitment to strengthening relations with North Korea. Xi highlighted that his recent discussions with Kim pointed the way forward for further developing their bilateral friendship.
Xi further stated that regardless of international changes, it remains China's consistent policy to defend, consolidate, and develop China-DPRK relations. He expressed China's readiness to contribute positively to regional and global peace, stability, development, and prosperity through the steady development of China-DPRK relations.