Chinese Foreign Minister and North Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Meet in Beijing: "Let's Continue Friendly Cooperation"

Pak Myong-ho, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Korea, who is visiting China, held talks with Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, on the 18th, local media including China's Pengpai News reported.

Pengpai News released photos showing Vice Minister Wang and Vice Minister Pak shaking hands and sitting facing each other at a location believed to be the Great Hall of the People. Vice Minister Pak is known as a "China expert," having served as Deputy Director in charge of China at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Charg? d'Affaires and Acting Ambassador at the North Korean Embassy in China.

On the 18th, local media including Pengpai News reported a photo showing Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs (right), and Pak Myong-ho, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Korea (left), holding talks at a location believed to be the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. (Photo by Pengpai News)

At the meeting, Vice Minister Wang emphasized, "The traditional friendship between China and Joseon (North Korea) is a precious asset shared by the two parties, created and nurtured by the leaders of the older generation of both countries."

He added, "Despite the turbulent international situation, China and Joseon have consistently firmly supported and trusted each other, demonstrating the strategic significance of their friendship and cooperation. China always views bilateral relations from a long-term perspective and intends to strengthen communication and coordination with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and successfully hold the 75th anniversary commemorative events." He further stated, "Next year, the two countries will agree on establishing diplomatic relations and promote the continuous and stable development of their friendly cooperative relationship."

Vice Minister Pak responded, "Deepening and developing relations in accordance with the noble will of the two parties and leaders of the two countries and the demands of the times is the firm position of the North Korean party and government." He continued, "On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of China-North Korea diplomatic relations, we will consolidate brotherly friendship with the Chinese side and promote continuous development," adding, "We will continue to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to safeguard common interests and maintain regional peace and stability." Pengpai also reported that both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual concern.

Last month on the 15th, Vice Minister Pak met with Sun Weidong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, in Beijing, where both sides agreed to deepen their friendly cooperative relations and strengthen strategic communication and coordination. On the 16th of last month, the Korean Central News Agency disclosed the meeting between Vice Minister Pak and Vice Minister Sun, stating, "The two sides exchanged views on strengthening and developing bilateral relations in 2024, the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Joseon, and on issues of common concern, and discussed enhancing strategic cooperation between the two countries going forward."