N. Korea seeks closer ties with China

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed his desire to strengthen friendly relations with Beijing in a recent letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to North Korea’s state media.

Kim’s letter, sent on September 15 in response to Xi’s congratulations on North Korea’s 76th anniversary, emphasised the importance of the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

Kim expressed the mutual desire of the peoples of North Korea and China to enhance their historical ties.

He also extended his best wishes for the success of China’s efforts to build a modern socialist country under Xi’s leadership, especially as China celebrates its 75th founding anniversary this year.

The exchange of letters between Kim and Xi comes at a time when North Korea’s relationship with China has faced some challenges, while North Korea has been strengthening its military and economic cooperation with Moscow amid the conflict in Ukraine.

Attribution: Yonhap News Agency

Subediting: M. S. Salama