North Korea has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with China.
The Foreign Minister, Choe Son Hui said on Tuesday that the country’s unwavering position was to further consolidate its ties with Beijing.
During her visit to China, Choe met with Premier Li Qiang, who underscored China’s high regard for its relations with North Korea and pledged to advance the partnership from a strategic and long-term perspective.
He noted that the ties had been further cemented under the “direct attention and strategic guidance” of both leaders.
Choe’s visit comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing earlier this month, marking their first summit in six years.
At the United Nations, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong maintained that Pyongyang would not abandon its nuclear programme.
Analysts note that while China has backed global efforts to address North Korea’s weapons development, it also views Pyongyang as a buffer against U.S. influence in the region.
Reuters/Hauwa M.