Kim Jong-un Strengthens Ties with China in Meeting with Wang Yi
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Seoul, April 10 (NationPress) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reiterated his dedication to fostering high-level exchanges and strategic communication with China, during a meeting with Wang Yi, China's top diplomat, as reported by the foreign ministry.
During this encounter in Pyongyang, Kim expressed that North Korea is prepared to enhance its amicable and cooperative relations with China, emphasizing the need to strengthen high-level exchanges and boost strategic dialogue for the benefit of both nations and global peace and stability.
He conveyed that it aligns with the mutual interests of both nations to solidify their bilateral relationship amid the shifting international landscape, a policy North Korea is fully committed to, according to the ministry, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
Kim also voiced his complete backing for Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision of creating a community with a shared future and affirmed China's legitimate claims regarding Taiwan.
Wang reiterated China's resolve to collaborate with North Korea to advance previously established agreements and to promote exchanges and practical cooperation.
This meeting followed Wang's private discussions with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui.
Choe informed Wang that Pyongyang is keen on strengthening its relationship with Beijing as both countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of their comprehensive cooperation treaty this year, according to state media reports from North Korea.
Wang's visit comes after Kim and Xi committed to deepening their ties during their summit in Beijing last year.
In the discussions on Thursday, Choe indicated that the bilateral relationship has reached a new level under the agreement between the two leaders and that North Korea is poised to further strengthen this friendship under the shared ideology of socialism.
Wang recalled the historic meeting between Xi and Kim in Beijing last September, where they established landmark principles to elevate their friendship.
Wang stated, "It is the unwavering intention of the Chinese party and government to firmly protect and enhance the China-North Korea friendship, irrespective of changes in the international situation," as quoted by KCNA.
The ministers agreed to amplify various exchanges and cooperation in recognition of this year's 65th anniversary of their Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance, and to fortify strategic communication between their foreign policy agencies.
During a banquet held for Wang later on Thursday, he remarked on a "plot of escalating isolation and pressure from the United States and other Western forces," noting that North Korea has made significant progress in this context.
This suggests that North Korea and China may align more closely in their foreign policy stances, particularly regarding Washington, especially as US President Donald Trump is anticipated to visit China next month for discussions with Xi.
There is speculation that Trump might seek a meeting with Kim during his visit to China, reviving the one-on-one diplomacy he pursued during his first term.
However, KCNA did not elaborate on whether the discussions between the foreign ministers covered topics related to Washington or Trump's upcoming trip to China.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Wang on Friday paid respects to the graves of Chinese soldiers who died during the 1950-53 Korean War in Pyongyang.
Wang expressed appreciation to North Korea for maintaining the graves, describing the site as a foundation for the strong ties forged in blood between the two nations.