Pyongyang (TDI): Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to deepening high-level exchanges and strategic coordination with North Korea, underscoring the enduring strength of the two nations’ traditional friendship.
During talks in Pyongyang with Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and leader of North Korea, Premier Li conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from Chinese President and CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping.
Li extended Xi’s congratulations on the 80th anniversary of the founding of the WPK, saying that China values its relationship with North Korea from both a strategic and long-term perspective.
Recalling Kim’s recent visit to China to attend the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Li said the meeting between Kim and Xi had set the course and outlined a roadmap for strengthening bilateral ties.
“Maintaining, consolidating, and developing the traditional friendship and cooperation between China and North Korea is China’s unwavering policy,” Li emphasized.
He added that Beijing is ready to work closely with Pyongyang under the joint guidance of the two countries’ top leaders to inject new momentum into bilateral cooperation. The premier said China hopes to enhance practical cooperation, expand exchanges in various fields, and coordinate more closely in international and regional affairs.
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Li also called for the two nations to uphold multilateralism and work together to promote a more just and equitable international order.
For his part, Kim Jong Un asked Li to convey his greetings and best wishes to President Xi, and warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation visiting Pyongyang for the anniversary celebrations.
Kim lauded China’s “tremendous achievements” in socialist construction under Xi’s leadership, describing North Korea-China ties as “unbreakable.”
“Consolidating and developing the friendly and cooperative relationship with China is the consistent position of North Korea, regardless of changes in the international situation,” Kim said, noting that such ties serve the common interests of both countries and contribute to regional peace, stability, and development.
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Kim reiterated Pyongyang’s firm support for the one-China principle, its opposition to any acts of “Taiwan independence,” and its backing of China’s stance on Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Xizang (Tibet).
The North Korean leader added that Pyongyang is ready to maintain close high-level exchanges, strengthen cooperation in multiple sectors, and advance their respective socialist causes for the benefit of both peoples.
