Beijing: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in talks in Beijing on Thursday, reaffirming the longstanding friendship between their nations in their first meeting in over six years. The discussions took place after both leaders, along with Russian President Vladimir Putin, attended a large military parade showcasing defiance against Western powers, prominently led by the United States.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting marked Kim's initial appearance on the multilateral diplomatic stage, accompanied by his young daughter, Ju-ae, sparking speculation about her potential role as the future leader in North Korea's ruling dynasty. During their talks at Beijing's Great Hall of the People, President Xi emphasized the shared destiny and mutual support between the two countries, describing them as "good neighbors, good friends, and good comrades."

Kim's participation in the military parade, which celebrated China's 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, underscored North Korea's commitment to preserving the outcomes of the war's victory. This event provided an opportunity for both nations to further develop their friendly and cooperative relations, as reported by China's Xinhua News Agency.

Following the discussions, Kim's special train was spotted departing Beijing railway station. The talks signify efforts by North Korea and China to restore their traditionally close ties, which had been strained due to Pyongyang's recent alignment with Moscow. This meeting was the first between Kim and Xi since their last summit in Pyongyang in June 2019, and it marked Kim's fifth visit to China, his previous trip being in January 2019.

After the military parade, Kim also appeared alongside Xi and Putin at a reception hosted by the Chinese president, where he held a summit with Putin.