Xinhua News Agency reported on the 9th that Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, met with Choe Son Hui&re; during his visit to North Korea.
At the Kumsusan State Guesthouse in Pyongyang, Wang told Choe, “Over the past two years, bilateral relations have advanced remarkably, and the friendship forged in blood has proven unbreakable.” He said China is prepared to strengthen strategic communication with North Korea, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and consolidate the positive trajectory in DPRK–China relations.
Wang added that China intends to reinforce high-level exchanges and pursue close dialogues and practical cooperation across levels and sectors. He said China is willing to deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges to help each other’s economic development. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the North Korea–China friendship treaty, and over those 65 years, despite turbulent international conditions, “we have supported one another as good neighbors and comrades.”
Choe responded, “The DPRK stands ready to implement the important joint understandings reached by the top leaders of both parties and both countries, and to carry out commemorative activities for the 65th anniversary of the friendship treaty appropriately. We will promote exchanges and practical cooperation across sectors, strengthen diplomatic coordination, and enhance multilateral communication and cooperation so DPRK–China relations can move to a new level and open new prospects.”
This visit is Wang’s first trip to North Korea in about six years and seven months, since September 2019. With China preparing for a summit with the United States next month, the two sides are likely to discuss the Korean Peninsula during their talks. Wang’s visit runs through the 10th.
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