Chinese President Xi Jinping today vowed to expand China’s ties with North Korea and called for regional peace during talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on his first visit to Pyongyang in seven years, Anadolu reports.

Xi said that “China is ready to expand practical cooperation with North Korea in economy and trade, agriculture, construction, science and technology as well as health care,” according to the state-run news agency. Xinhua.

He urged both sides to “resolutely protect” their sovereignty, security and development interests. “China and North Korea must jointly safeguard regional peace and development,” Xi said.

Xi called on the two countries to provide greater benefits to their peoples, deepen practical cooperation, hold high-level exchanges and strengthen mutual political trust.

The Chinese president said he is willing to work with Kim to advance bilateral ties and strengthen strategic alignment. development of both countries.

“No matter how the international situation changes, the unwavering commitment of the Chinese government to protect the common interests of the two countries and maintain a favorable strategic environment will not change,” Xi said.

The visit, Xi’s first overseas trip this year, comes at the invitation of the North Korean leader.

Xi’s talks with Kim during the rare visit come after both sides mark the 65th anniversary of their treaty of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance. The Chinese leader last visited North Korea in 2019, making him the first Chinese president in 14 years to visit the country.

His trip comes at a time of changing regional dynamics, including strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow under a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed in 2024, which includes mutual defense commitments.

China remains North Korea’s most important economic partner. Bilateral trade last year rose to about $2.79 billion, the highest level since the COVID-19 pandemic and close to pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019.

Source: prizrenpost