Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has begun a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Pyongyang, as reported by Chinese state media. The meeting, held at the Kumsusan State Guest House, is expected to cover a broad range of topics, including economic exchanges and inter-Korean affairs.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Xi arrived in North Korea on Monday, marking his first visit to Pyongyang in nearly seven years. Kim made a rare public appearance at the airport to personally welcome the Chinese president, who was accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan, and other high-ranking officials from the Chinese government.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV aired footage of the welcoming ceremony, showing Kim and his wife, Ri Sol-ju, greeting Xi and Peng as they arrived. The ceremonial welcome included children presenting bouquets to the visiting dignitaries and a red carpet laid out at the airport, adorned with national flags of both countries.

The summit's agenda is expected to include discussions on economic ties and Korean Peninsula issues, with an emphasis on coordination among Pyongyang, Beijing, and Moscow. A welcome ceremony was held at Kim Il Sung Square, where Xi received a 21-gun salute and inspected honor guards alongside Kim.

The visit coincides with the 65th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between Pyongyang and Beijing, offering both nations an opportunity to reaffirm their alliance and strengthen economic ties. This comes amid increasing relations between North Korea and Russia, as evidenced by the recent participation of North Korean troops in Moscow's Victory Day parade.

Xi's visit to North Korea follows his recent summits with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as his attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. The trip underscores Beijing's intent to maintain its influence on the Korean Peninsula amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.