North Korea and China reaffirmed their commitment to a new era in bilateral relations following summit talks between leader Kim Jong-un and President Xi Jinping in Pyongyang, state media reported.
The Korean Central News Agency reported Tuesday that Kim Jong-un and Xi Jinping held talks the previous day and agreed to put their traditional friendship on firmer ground while expanding cooperation across politics, the economy, culture, science and the military. The two sides also agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation and defend each other's sovereignty and safety. Kim described strengthening ties with China as his country's most important strategic mission. Xi's visit marked his first trip to Pyongyang in seven years and came during the 65th anniversary year of the DPRK-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. No reference was made to nuclear issues. Xi is expected to pay tribute to the Friendship Tower before departing for Beijing later in the day.