Pyongyang: North Korea and China have reached an agreement to restart passenger train services connecting Pyongyang and Beijing as early as next month, following a five-year suspension.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that both nations are in the final stages of negotiations to resume these services, which were halted in January 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, citing multiple sources, highlights a significant increase in North Korean travel to China for training purposes since May, suggesting an improvement in bilateral relations.

NHK quoted a source indicating that the warming ties between the two countries might have played a role in the decision to resume train services. However, when approached for comment, China's foreign ministry stated they were not aware of the specific developments and suggested that inquiries be directed to the relevant authorities.