Pyongyang: North Korea and China have pledged to strengthen their bilateral ties and support each other's interests, marking the beginning of a new era in their relationship, according to Pyongyang's state media. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping held summit talks, agreeing to solidify their friendly relations and expand cooperation across various fields, including politics, economy, and culture.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the two leaders also committed to defending each other's sovereignty and security. Kim Jong-un emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with China, describing it as North Korea's "most important top-priority strategic work" and expressing his dedication to enhancing the bilateral relationship into a model of socialist state relations. He highlighted that China's support is crucial and noted that President Xi's visit to Pyongyang as his first overseas trip of the year demonstrates Beijing's prioritization of their friendship.
Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang, his first in seven years, comes as both nations aim to restore traditional ties that have cooled due to North Korea's alignment with Russia. Kim acknowledged that Xi's choice of Pyongyang as his first destination underscores the value China places on their relationship. Xi affirmed China's support for North Korea and its commitment to defending their common interests, regardless of the changing international landscape.
The summit discussions focused on enhancing communication through high-level visits and expanding cooperation in political, economic, and cultural sectors. The meeting, which took place at a new strategic level, coincided with the 65th anniversary of the DPRK-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance. Notably absent from the discussions were topics related to nuclear issues or the broader Korean Peninsula situation, which were also not mentioned by China's Xinhua News Agency.
Chinese state media highlighted Xi's call for stronger cooperation with North Korea in diplomacy, law enforcement, and military areas. Before departing for Beijing, Xi is expected to pay tribute to the Friendship Tower, a monument honoring Chinese soldiers who fought alongside North Korean forces during the Korean War, symbolizing the longstanding alliance between the two nations.