North Korean, Chinese officials hold talks in Pyongyang
Chinese Wang Huning, a member of the Communist Party Politburo Standing Committee, held talks in Pyongyang with Jo Yong-won, a senior official of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party.
A Chinese delegation led by Wang arrived in Pyongyang on Wednesday at the invitation of North Korea, state media KCNA reported on Thursday.
KCNA said that at the meeting, Wang confirmed the “will of the Chinese party and government” to implement the agreement reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during Xi’s visit to Pyongyang.
He also touched upon the 65th anniversary of the friendly ties between the two countries.
Jo told Wang that North Korea is trying to develop strategic communication and tactical cooperation with Beijing.
KCNA said the two officials discussed ways to improve public welfare and deepen mutual cooperation between business, culture and the two countries’ ruling parties, without elaborating.
Earlier in July, North Korean Prime Minister Pak Thae-song met Xi in Beijing for an event marking the 65th anniversary of the friendship treaty between the neighbors.
Xi called on the two allies to maintain “strategic resolve” in the turbulent global environment and speed up the implementation of agreements reached with Kim.
The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, signed on July 11, 1961, remains China’s only active mutual defense pact.
