Pyongyang: North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui has departed Pyongyang for China, the North's state media reported Sunday. North Korea and China have announced that Choe is visiting China from Saturday to Tuesday at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Choe left Pyongyang for China "by plane for her personal use," the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

According to Yonhap News Agency, upon departure, Choe and the North's delegation were seen off by ministry officials and Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun, as reported by KCNA. Choe's visit to China comes as North Korea is preparing a large-scale military parade to mark the 80th founding anniversary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea on October 10. The North is reported to be inviting state leaders to the event.

The trip follows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's high-profile attendance at China's military parade in Beijing on September 3 and his subsequent talks with Chinese officials. This diplomatic visit underscores the ongoing exchanges between North Korea and China, highlighting the strengthening ties between the two neighboring countries.