Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated Kim Jong Un on his reappointment as Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, emphasizing the enduring friendly relations between China and North Korea.
North Korea’s state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported that Kim received a congratulatory message from the Chinese President. Xi’s message, sent the previous day, was featured on the third page of the newspaper.
In his message, President Xi stated that the traditional friendship between China and North Korea is a precious asset for both nations. He added that protecting, strengthening, and advancing China-North Korea relations remains the consistent and unwavering policy of the Chinese Communist Party and government.
Xi noted that the summit between the two leaders during last year’s 80th anniversary parade of China’s victory in World War II led to several important mutual understandings, ushering in a new era in China-North Korea relations.
He further emphasized that he places great importance on the development of China-North Korea relations and am committed to working alongside Chairman Kim to continuously foster the traditional friendship between the two countries and improve the well-being of both nations and their peoples.
On Monday, North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly, equivalent to a parliament, reappointed Kim as Chairman of the State Affairs Commission. That same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin was the first foreign leader to send a congratulatory message to Chairman Kim.