- Leaders Agree to Expand Cooperation and Promote Regional Peace After Xi’s First Pyongyang Visit in Seven Years
SEOUL/BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have reached an “important consensus” on strengthening bilateral relations and contributing to regional and global peace, North Korea’s state media KCNA reported on Wednesday.
In a message of appreciation following his visit to Pyongyang, Xi said the two sides held detailed discussions on issues of mutual interest and reached a series of key agreements reflecting their shared commitment to further deepen cooperation.
Xi said China was ready to work with North Korea “based on fundamental and long-term interests” to steadily strengthen, consolidate, and develop bilateral relations while contributing positively to peace and development in the region and beyond.
Relations Enter ‘New Historical Stage’
Xi described his visit as a successful conclusion and said China–North Korea relations had entered “a new historical stage.” He also expressed hope for another meeting with Kim Jong Un in the future.
The Chinese president visited Pyongyang from Monday to Tuesday — his first visit to North Korea in seven years. China’s official Xinhua News Agency reported that the trip helped deepen mutual understanding and provided a clearer direction for future cooperation between the two countries.
Broader Cooperation in Politics, Economy, and Culture
According to state media reports from both countries, Xi and Kim agreed to expand cooperation in several areas, including politics, trade, economic development, and cultural exchanges.
The two leaders also pledged to enhance strategic communication between their governments, with Beijing emphasizing that practical cooperation remains a key driver of China–North Korea relations.
Areas including agriculture, technology, and infrastructure development were highlighted as potential fields for expanded collaboration.
Focus on Connectivity and Border Cooperation
Chinese state media also said both sides should make use of the full reopening of border crossings, the resumption of civil aviation links, and the return of international passenger train services to increase exchanges and cooperation.
Symbolic Visit Highlights Historical Ties
During Xi’s visit, the two leaders also paid tribute at Pyongyang’s Sino-Korean Friendship Tower, a memorial honoring Chinese soldiers who died during the Korean War.
They later visited a political training institution for party officials, underscoring the importance both governments place on ideological and strategic ties.
The visit marks a significant step in the relationship between Beijing and Pyongyang as both countries seek to reinforce diplomatic coordination and economic cooperation amid changing regional dynamics.
BY: The Times Union
