Chinese FM holds talks with North Korean counterpart

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with North Korean (DPRK) counterpart Choe Son Hui in Beijing on Sunday, noting that “maintaining, consolidating and developing bilateral relations has always been a steadfast strategic guideline of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government,” Chinese state media reported.

Wang said that China and North Korea are “friendly neighbors that are connected by mountains and rivers, adding that the traditional friendship forged and nurtured by the older generations of the leaders of the two parties and the two countries is a valuable asset shared by both sides,” according to Xinhua news agency.

Wang praised the recent “historic” meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un where the two reached an important consensus, pointing out the direction and drawing up the blueprint for the development of their bilateral relations, according to the report.

Wang said that China stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with North Korea in international and regional affairs, “oppose all forms of hegemonism, and safeguard the common interests of both sides and international fairness and justice.”

The North Korean Foreign Minister said that the meeting between the leaders has provided strategic guidance and strong impetus to deepen bilateral relations. She said that Pyongyang is willing to work with Beijing to implement the consensus reached by two leaders, enhance strategic communication, increase friendly exchanges, deepen practical cooperation, and promote the development of bilateral relations to a new and higher level.

Choe also said the DPRK is willing to closely cooperate with China in multilateral affairs, “jointly resist unilateralism and power politics, and promote a fairer and more just world order.”