North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, held talks to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening North Korea-China relations.
The Workers’ Party of Korea’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Friday that Foreign Minister Choe met with Foreign Minister Wang at the Kumsusan State Guest House the previous day.
According to the newspaper, Choe noted that the traditional friendship and cooperative relationship between North Korea and China is vigorously developing to new heights, in line with important agreements reached by the top leaders of both countries. She also expressed the North Korean government’s stance on further strengthening the friendship between the two nations, rooted in their shared socialist ideology and aligned with the aspirations and interests of both peoples.
Foreign Minister Wang highlighted the historic meeting between Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last September. He emphasized that this meeting provided crucial guidance for advancing China-North Korea relations to a new level. Wang stressed that regardless of changes in the international landscape, the Chinese Communist Party and government remain firmly committed to safeguarding, consolidating, and developing this friendship.
Both parties agreed to deepen multifaceted exchanges and cooperation this year, which marks the 65th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance between North Korea and China. They also committed to enhancing strategic communication and supportive cooperation between their respective foreign policy institutions.
The North Korean delegation included Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Myong-su and other officials, while the Chinese side was represented by Foreign Minister Wang and his entourage, along with Wang Yajun, the Chinese Ambassador to North Korea.
Wang arrived in Pyongyang the previous day. The newspaper reported that crowds at the airport welcomed the Chinese delegation, waving flags of both countries.
North Korea and China jointly announced that Wang Yi, in his capacity as both a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister, would be visiting North Korea for two days at the invitation of the North Korean Foreign Ministry. This marks Wang’s first visit to the country in approximately 6 years and 7 months, with his last visit occurring in September 2019.
While the official purpose of Wang’s visit remains undisclosed, analysts speculate it may involve strategic communication ahead of President Trump’s scheduled visit to China and the U.S.-China summit set for April 14-15. Consequently, there are expectations that Wang may meet with Foreign Minister Choe on the first day of his visit, followed by a potential meeting with General Secretary Kim to convey a message from President Xi.