North Korean leader says China relations reach “new high stage”

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has described relations between North Korea and China as being on a “new high stage,” according to Pyongyang’s state media.

Kim made the remarks in a message to Chinese President Xi Jinping, sent on March 27, expressing his “deep” thanks for Xi’s congratulations on his recent reelection as president of the state affairs commission at a key parliamentary meeting, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

“I am pleased to note that the traditional DPRK-China relations are being put on a new high stage in keeping with the aspiration and desire of the two parties and the peoples of the two countries,” Kim said in the message.

The North Korean leader also pledged to “continue to develop in depth the DPRK-China relations of friendship and cooperation with socialism as the core,” according to KCNA.

On March 26, Xi sent a message congratulating Kim on his reelection as president of North Korea’s top policy guidance body for a third consecutive term. Xi described North Korea-China relations as a “valuable asset” and reaffirmed Beijing’s “unwavering policy” to advance its traditional ties with Pyongyang.

Kim and Xi held their first summit talks in more than six years in Beijing last September during China’s military parade. Observers note that the talks came as the two nations appear to be restoring ties, which had been strained amid North Korea’s deepening military cooperation with Russia.

By Sabina Mammadli