A photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (R) and his wife, Ri Sol-ju (2-R), welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) and his wife, Peng Liyuan (L) at the international airport in Pyongyang, North Korea, 08 June 2026. Photo by KCNA / EPA
June 16 (Asia Today) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent Chinese President Xi Jinping a congratulatory message and flowers for his 73rd birthday, North Korean state media reported Tuesday, in an unusual gesture following the leaders' recent summit in Pyongyang.
It was the first time in three years that North Korea had publicly reported Kim sending Xi birthday greetings and a floral arrangement. Kim last extended such greetings in 2023, when Xi turned 70.
The Korean Central News Agency said Kim "warmly congratulated Comrade Xi Jinping on his birthday."
Kim also wished Xi good health and greater success in leading China's socialist development as the core leader of the Communist Party of China, according to the report.
