Seoul, April 11 (NationPress) North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, has emphasized that the nation prioritizes enhancing its longstanding relationship with China during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as reported by state media on Saturday.

This meeting took place on Friday, the last day of Wang's two-day visit to Pyongyang, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). This visit marked Wang's first trip to North Korea since 2019.

The discussions occurred several months after Kim's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last September, where they explored avenues to strengthen bilateral relations, which had been perceived as strained due to North Korea's military and diplomatic ties with Russia.

During his talks with Wang, Kim reiterated that North Korea's unwavering position is to "value and prioritize the further development of DPRK-China friendly relations, centered on socialism," the KCNA stated.

As per the KCNA, DPRK refers to North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

He further emphasized the necessity of "intensifying visits and interactions at various levels, as well as enhancing mutual support and cooperation to safeguard shared interests and ensure the multifaceted and sustainable development of bilateral relations, considering the current international geopolitical landscape and the long-term strategic interests of both nations."

Although not explicitly mentioned, Kim seemingly alluded to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict against Iran, which began in late February.

In response, Wang highlighted China's commitment to nurturing amicable ties with North Korea, suggesting that their relationship is entering a "new phase of development" following last year's summit between Xi and Kim, as per the KCNA.

Kim also expressed North Korea's "complete support" for China's policies aimed at achieving "territorial integrity based on the 'one-China' principle and fostering a fair and just multipolar world," likely referencing China's territorial claims over Taiwan.

China's foreign ministry announced on Friday that Kim reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing high-level exchanges and strategic communication with China during his meeting with Wang. He also voiced full support for Xi's vision of creating a community for a shared future and China's "legitimate" territorial claims concerning Taiwan.

Wang's meeting with Kim followed a one-on-one discussion with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui.

This visit to Pyongyang precedes US President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to China in mid-May for discussions with Xi. There is ongoing speculation that Trump may seek to meet with Kim during his visit to China, given his interest in re-establishing contact with the North Korean leader.