Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed his intention to bolster ties with China, as he conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping that Pyongyang will further strengthen relations with Beijing. Kim emphasized his commitment to "more vigorously promote" the bilateral ties, as reported by North Korea's state media on Tuesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim's remarks were part of a reply message sent to Xi on Sunday. This correspondence followed a congratulatory note from the Chinese president on the occasion of North Korea's 77th founding anniversary earlier in the month, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The message articulated the enduring policy of the Workers' Party of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) government to enhance the traditional friendship and cooperation with China, adapting to contemporary needs. Kim expressed his gratitude for Xi's message, acknowledging "the invariable support and special friendly feelings" from China and its people during his recent visit to the country.
Kim further articulated confidence in the mutual efforts of the DPRK and China to advance their friendly relations as part of their shared commitment to the socialist cause. He also conveyed his wishes for China's continued success.
On North Korea's September 9 founding day, Xi had expressed Beijing's readiness to enhance strategic communication with Pyongyang and to work together in promoting their bilateral friendship. Kim's recent visit to China, which marked his first in over six years, included attending a large-scale military parade in Beijing on September 3 and holding talks with Xi, signaling a restoration of ties that had been strained by North Korea's military alignment with Russia.