Beijing ready to solidify strategic cooperation with Pyongyang, China’s Xi tells North Korea’s Kim: Report

Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un held first talks in over six years in Beijing last month during North Korean leader's visit for military parade

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Chinese President Xi Jinping has told North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that his country is prepared to solidify strategic cooperation on international and regional issues, the North's state media reported Sunday.

Xi reiterated China's commitment in a message Thursday that was sent to Kim in response to the North Korean leader's congratulatory telegram for the 76th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korea and China are "great neighbors, friends and comrades that help each other, and the traditional friendship between the two countries is solidifying as time passes," KCNA quoted Xi.

Xi said China is prepared to inherit and further develop the traditional friendship with North Korea to deepen friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation.

China is willing to "strengthen strategic cooperation on international and regional issues" to provide greater welfare to the peoples of both nations and jointly protect peace, stability and international equity and justice in the region, Xi added.

Kim and Xi held their first talks in more than six years in Beijing last month during the North Korean leader's visit to attend a military parade.

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