Kim and Xi reaffirm unwavering friendship and signals restorations of close ties

We begin in Beijing.. where North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks last night, reaffirming friendship, and discussing a variety of issues.

Our Kim Bo-kyoung starts us off.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting signaled the restoration of close ties that had grown distant due to the recent North Korea–Russia rapprochement.

The two met at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, marking the first such meeting since 2019, with Kim visiting China in January of that year, while Xi visited Pyongyang in June.

During the meeting, the two leaders shared the pleasure of seeing each other yet again, and agreed to work together to safeguard their common interests, as part of what was described as a community of shared destiny.

"In the face of a turbulent international landscape, China stands ready to strengthen strategic communication, enhance exchanges and cooperation, and deepen exchanges of experience in governance with the DPRK, so as to effectively advance our respective socialist cause and jointly promote regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity."

"The past six years have seen earthshaking changes and development in China, which impressed me greatly. What touched me even more is the unwavering and profound friendship between our two peoples. Despite the ever-changing world, this friendship will never change."

While touting the development Beijing achieved, Kim stressed the regime's readiness to deepen economic and trade cooperation to achieve greater results.

When it comes to the tension on the Korean Peninsula, Kim did mention how he appreciated China's "fair stance" regarding the issues, to which Xi responded that China will continue to strengthen coordination with the North to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

However, the joint statement released by China after the meeting did not include any mention of the "denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

Kim arrived at Beijing Station at 9:50 PM, departing on his special train 15 minutes later.

He is expected to arrive in Pyongyang on Friday afternoon, if he heads straight back.

His fifth visit to China was his longest one on record, lasting four days and five nights.

His stay in Beijing was also his longest, at around 54 hours.

Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.