▲ Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watch a military parade during a welcoming ceremony held in Pyongyang on June 8.
Chinese President Xi Jinping attended a welcoming banquet hosted by North Korea on the afternoon of June 8 following a summit between the two leaders in Pyongyang, according to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency.
President Xi, accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan, attended the banquet hosted by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the Mokran House in Pyongyang.
In his congratulatory speech at the event, President Xi stated, "The traditional friendship between North Korea and China has been passed down through generations and has grown stronger over time, even amidst the tests of rapidly changing international circumstances."
He continued, "This year marks the 65th anniversary of the North Korea-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, and North Korea-China relations are standing at a new historical starting point. During this visit, I have reached important consensus with Chairman Kim."
President Xi added, "We have reached a common understanding that we must strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen strategic communication, expand practical cooperation, and promote people-to-people ties to push for a high level of development in North Korea-China relations."
In his own speech, Chairman Kim stated, "President Xi's visit to North Korea as his first overseas trip this year demonstrates the high importance placed on the development of relations between the two parties and the two countries, as well as his invaluable support for North Korea's socialist cause."
He continued, "Meeting with President Xi again after nine months, we have reached important consensus on promoting North Korea-China relations that carry new historical significance in line with changing circumstances. We also exchanged broad views on international and regional issues of mutual interest."
Upon arriving at the banquet venue, President Xi and his wife posed for commemorative photos with Chairman Kim and his wife, Ri Sol-ju.
High-ranking North Korean officials lined up to welcome President Xi and his wife.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.