China's President Xi Jinping hailed an "invincible friendship" with Pyongyang as he arrived in North Korea Monday, his first trip abroad this year after hosting back-to-back summits in Beijing.

North Korea will be Xi’s first overseas visit this year; The Chinese president will be visiting on an invitation from Kim, North Korean state media says.

The Chinese leader's visit on June 8-9, his first in seven years, comes as Pyongyang strengthens relations with Russia.