Xi, Kim Say They Reached Key Agreement as China-North Korea Ties Enter New Historical Starting Point

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a welcome banquet hosted by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after summit talks in Pyongyang, with both sides saying the visit produced an important agreement.

Xinhua News Agency reported that Xi said in a speech on June 8 that the traditional friendship between China and North Korea has grown stronger over time despite tests from rapidly changing international conditions.

He said this year marks the 65th anniversary of the China-North Korea Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, adding that bilateral ties stand at a new historical starting point. Xi also said he reached an important agreement with Kim during the visit.

The two sides also shared the view that they should strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen strategic communication, expand practical cooperation and boost people-to-people ties to advance relations to a higher level, he said.

In his own remarks, Kim said Xi's decision to make North Korea his first overseas destination this year showed the high importance Beijing places on developing ties between the two parties and countries. He also described it as highly valuable support for North Korea's socialist cause.

Kim said the two leaders met again after nine months and reached an important agreement on advancing China-North Korea ties with new significance amid changing circumstances. They also exchanged broad views on international and regional issues of mutual interest.

Lee Jung-woo, Hankyung.com reporter, krse9059@hankyung.com