Xi Jinping Emphasizes Deepening Traditional Friendship During State Visit to North Korea

From June 8 to 9, Xi Jinping paid a state visit to North Korea. This was his first visit to North Korea in seven years, and also his first overseas trip this year. During the visit, the two sides reviewed the development of the traditional friendship between the two countries through activities such as a welcoming ceremony, talks, and a visit to the ChinaNorth Korea Friendship Tower. The report pointed out that ChinaNorth Korea relations are built on longterm exchanges and historical memory, and both sides stressed the need to carry forward the tradition of friendly cooperation and advance the relationship with the times. In talks, Xi Jinping proposed that efforts should focus on highlevel exchanges, practical cooperation, closer ties between the two peoples, and strategic coordination, while continuing to expand cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, agriculture, healthcare, education, arts and culture, tourism, and youth exchanges. The article also mentioned that this year marks the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and North Korea, and the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between China and North Korea. As the two countries continue to make progress in areas such as transportation, trade, and peopletopeople exchanges, both sides said they will inject new momentum into their respective socialist construction and regional peace and stability.