Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized the elevation of relations between North Korea and China to a "new high stage" in a message addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping, as reported by Pyongyang's state media.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Jong-un conveyed his gratitude to Xi Jinping for congratulating him on his recent reelection as president of the state affairs commission during a significant parliamentary meeting. The message, sent to Xi, expressed Kim's pleasure at the strengthening of traditional DPRK-China relations, aligning with the aspirations of both parties and peoples.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), North Korea's formal name, was referenced as Kim pledged to further develop the DPRK-China relations based on friendship and cooperation with socialism as the central focus. The message underlined the commitment to enhancing bilateral ties.

On Thursday, Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Kim on his reelection as the head of North Korea's top policy guidance body for a third term. Xi referred to the relationship between North Korea and China as a "valuable asset" and reiterated Beijing's "unwavering policy" to strengthen its traditional ties with Pyongyang.

Kim and Xi previously held summit talks in Beijing last September during China's military parade. These talks marked a significant step in the apparent efforts by both nations to restore relations, which have been perceived as strained due to North Korea's growing military cooperation with Russia.