BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to expand cooperation in multiple sectors including politics, economy and culture during a summit in Pyongyang, state media from both countries reported.
The agreement came as Xi concluded his first visit to North Korea in seven years on Tuesday. The two leaders held talks on Monday that both sides described as opening a new chapter in bilateral relations, according to North Korea's official KCNA news agency and China's Xinhua.
Xi told his hosts at a luncheon before departure that the mutual understanding between the two countries had become deeper and more comprehensive, with a clearer direction for future development, Xinhua reported.
The summit marked the 65th anniversary of the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between the two countries. Kim told Xi that North Korea would fully support the "One China principle," KCNA said.
Details of specific new initiatives remained limited in initial reports. Both sides emphasized strengthening high-level exchanges, trade, agriculture, infrastructure and people-to-people ties, Xinhua indicated. The leaders also planted a tree at a friendship site during the visit.
China is North Korea's largest trading partner and has long provided economic support to the isolated country, which faces international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs. The timing of the visit comes amid broader regional dynamics, including North Korea's reported ties with Russia, though neither side detailed discussions on security or nuclear issues in public readouts.
Analysts have noted that the meeting reflects efforts by both countries to consolidate their strategic partnership. South Korean and U.S. officials have monitored the summit closely, with Seoul expressing concerns over any potential strengthening of military coordination.
The two countries have maintained close ties for decades, with the 1961 treaty remaining a cornerstone of their relationship. Recent engagements follow periods of relative diplomatic quiet.
As of June 10, both governments continued to highlight the positive outcomes of the summit. Further details on implementation of the expanded cooperation are expected in coming weeks, state media said. No immediate reaction from other governments was detailed in initial coverage.
