Pyongyang [North Korea], September 5: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has told Chinese President Xi Jinping that Pyongyang's support for Beijing's interests is unwavering.
The statement by leader Kim Jong-un was published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 5. Mr. Kim Jong-un had bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on September 4, one day after the military parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism.
At the meeting, Mr. Kim told Mr. Xi that North Korea "will forever support and encourage China's stance and efforts" in defending the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and development interests.
Kim said the friendship between the two countries will remain unchanged no matter how the international situation develops, stressing Pyongyang's firm commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, according to Xinhua.
In response, Xi spoke highly of the friendship between the two countries and was willing to maintain, consolidate and develop good relations with North Korea. "China and North Korea are good neighbors, good friends and good comrades, sharing a common destiny and standing side by side," the Chinese president declared.
The meeting on September 4 was the first time the two leaders met face to face in more than six years, according to Yonhap. Kim Jong-un 's train left the station in Beijing on the evening of September 4, concluding his fifth visit to China.
Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi saw Kim off, according to KCNA.
KCNA said that leader Kim Jong-un's visit to China was a historic event that would help strengthen political trust and strategic cooperation between the two countries. "It is proof of the unchanging and unparalleled friendship between the DPRK and China that has overcome all trials and tribulations," KCNA wrote.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
