Beijing: The North Korean Embassy in China hosted a reception to commemorate the ruling Workers' Party of Korea's congress held in February. A senior official from the Chinese ruling party attended the event, as reported by a Chinese news source on Wednesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the reception in Beijing was attended by Li Shulei, a member of the Communist Party of China's central committee political bureau. Li extended "warm congratulations" on behalf of President Xi Jinping, as reported by Xinhua News Agency. The North Korean party's congress, which convened in February for the first time in five years, introduced a new five-year economic development plan along with other policy directions for the country's future.

Li Shulei expressed China's willingness to collaborate with Pyongyang to strengthen strategic communication, deepen practical cooperation, and enhance the friendship and well-being of the peoples of both nations. The Chinese official also committed to working with North Korea to contribute to regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

North Korean Ambassador to China, Ri Ryong-nam, stated that his country is eager to work with China to follow the guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and to strengthen unity and cooperation in advancing their socialist cause.