Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sealed an agreement on a significant expansion of bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, science and defense at a meeting in Pyongyang on Tuesday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed on Tuesday to expand bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, culture, science and defense. North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported that the two leaders want to create a “new chapter” in their relations. TASR took over the report from the Reuters and DPA agencies.
- Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un agreed to expand political cooperation.
- The leaders plan to deepen economic, cultural, scientific and defense ties.
- Both countries want to open a new chapter in mutual bilateral relations.
- Xi Jinping made his first state visit to Pyongyang in seven years.
Xi Jinping in Pyongyang
Among other things, the leaders also agreed to deepen strategic communication through visits by high-ranking officials, KCNA reported. Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday for a two-day state visit for the first time in seven years.
The Chinese president, along with First Lady Pyeong Liyuan, Kim Jong Un and his wife, attended an artistic performance in the DPRK capital, where both Chinese and North Korean songs were played emphasizing the “value and closeness of friendship” between the countries.
Kim then held a banquet for the Beijing delegation on Monday evening, where Xi said in a speech that he enjoyed “shared friendship” with Kim and thanked the North Korean official for their “enthusiastic welcome”, KCNA confirmed.
DPA emphasizes that critical issues, including North Korea’s nuclear program, have not been mentioned by either party in their public statements.
Beijing is a key source of diplomatic and political support for North Korea. One of the most isolated countries in the world is facing international sanctions for its nuclear program, development of ballistic missiles and violations of UN resolutions, AFP reminds. However, despite close relations, visits by Chinese presidents to the DPRK are rare.
Xi Jinping is expected to leave Pyongyang later on Tuesday.
