Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un discussed extending their countries’ communication and cooperation during in-person talks in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on Thursday.
The meeting came a day after the two men appeared with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and other world leaders at a massive military parade in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square that celebrated 80 years since the end of World War II and showcased China’s military might and deepening alliances.
Chinese state media said that Xi told Kim that Beijing attached “great importance to the traditional friendship” with Pyongyang, and will work to safeguard peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, enhance strategic communications and “maintain, consolidate and develop” bilateral ties.
“No matter how the international situation changes, this position will not change,” Xi was quoted as saying.
Kim’s train was seen leaving Beijing shortly after the meeting concluded, several news organizations reported.
Includes reporting from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
