Chinese President Xi Jinping tells North Korean leader Kim Jong-un that China will support the “long-term and stable” development of China–DPRK relations, according to Pyongyang’s state media. Xi’s message is sent in reply to Kim’s congratulatory note to mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on July 1, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Xi thanks Kim and says the Chinese Communist Party and the Workers’ Party of Korea are “Marxist ruling parties.” He says he is ready to lead China–DPRK relations toward “long-term, sound and stable” development.
In a separate congratulatory message to Xi, Kim also pledges to strengthen ties with China. He describes Kim’s recent summit talks with Xi in Pyongyang as a “historic occasion” and calls Pyongyang’s position to steadily develop relations with Beijing a “steadfast stand,” citing their long history and shared socialist orientation.
The reports add that Xi made a two-day state visit to Pyongyang on June 8–9, his first trip to North Korea in seven years, where the two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation and strengthen high-level communication.
