Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) waving to the crowd beside North Korea leader Kim Jong Un (centre L) at the international airport before his departure in Pyongyang, North Korea, 09 June 2026. Photo by KCNA / EPA
July 11 (Asia Today) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages Saturday marking the 65th anniversary of a bilateral friendship treaty and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic ties.
Kim said in his message to Xi that North Korea was willing to develop relations with China into "a model of the strongest and most strategic relations between socialist countries," according to the Korean Central News Agency.
Referring to Xi's state visit to Pyongyang in June, Kim said the "historic meeting in Pyongyang" reaffirmed their determination to build a brighter future for the people of both countries while advancing the socialist cause.
Xi said in his message that he was willing to strengthen strategic communication and guide bilateral cooperation so it would bring greater benefits to the people of both countries and contribute to regional peace and development.
