Xi highlights support for DPRK, cooperation

During the talks, Xi and Kim agreed that the two countries should remain true to their original aspirations, join hands in moving forward and create a better future for the two parties and the two countries.

Xi pointed out that he had held four meetings with Kim since last year, during which the two leaders wrote new chapters in China-DPRK relations and forged a deep friendship.

Xi expressed gratitude for the grand and warm welcoming ceremony hosted by Kim, saying that he could feel the deep feelings between the two countries everywhere, from his landing at the airport until his arrival at where he will stay.

The visit is aimed at deepening the China-DPRK friendship and promoting a political resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue, Xi said.

He added that the two sides will take the opportunity of the visit to draw a blueprint for a bright future for China-DPRK relations.

China strongly believes that the China-DPRK friendship meets the will and fundamental interests of the people of both countries and corresponds to the trend of the time, Xi said, adding that it is also a strategic choice made by the two sides that cannot be changed no matter how the international situation changes.

As China-DPRK ties have entered a new historical period, Xi said that China attaches great importance to friendly and cooperative ties with the DPRK.

It is always the firm policy of the Party and government of China to maintain, strengthen and develop China-DPRK relations, he said.

Xi called on the two countries to enhance high-level exchanges to guide the development of bilateral ties amid complicated changes in global and regional situations.