Kim Jong-un Meets Chinese Zhao Liji: "We Will Write a New Chapter in North Korea-China Relations" (Comprehensive)

Chairman Zhao: "Strengthening and Developing Bilateral Cooperation"

Zhao Leji (趙樂際), the third-ranking official of the Chinese Communist Party and Standing Committee member of the National People's Congress (NPC), who visited North Korea, met with Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, on the third day of his visit on the 13th.

Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea [Chosun Central TV screen, Image source=Yonhap News]

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency, Chairman Kim emphasized at the meeting with Chairman Zhao that "strengthening and developing the traditional friendship and cooperative relationship between North Korea and China is the firm and unwavering policy of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government."

He added, "The relationship between the two countries is continuously developing to new and higher levels in accordance with the demands of the new era," and emphasized, "This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between North Korea and China and is designated as the 'Year of North Korea-China Friendship,' during which a new chapter in North Korea-China relations will be written."

Chairman Zhao also stated, "It is our firm and unwavering policy to safeguard, consolidate, and develop the traditional friendly cooperative relationship between China and North Korea," and said, "China is willing to deepen bilateral cooperation with North Korea to enrich the connotations of the bilateral relationship."

Xinhua News Agency reported that when the Chinese delegation led by Chairman Zhao left Pyongyang, Choe Ryong-hae, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea, saw them off.