North Korea-China ties 'invincible', says KCNA, as Xi wraps up trip

[SEOUL] North Korea's state media on Friday described North Korea-China relations as "invincible" as Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up a closely watched two-day visit to the North.

Pyongyang's state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun carried front-page pictures that showed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju welcoming Mr Xi on Thursday.

Kim said Mr Xi's visit was an "important opportunity" for the two countries to boast their "invincible" and "unchangeable" friendship to the world, the official KCNA news agency reported.

The streets of Pyongyang were filled with cheers and "friendly affection" for Chinese citizens who have "shared joys and sorrows" with North Koreans while pursuing socialism, it added.

Mr Xi is the first Chinese president to visit North Korea in 14 years, after relations between the Cold War-era allies deteriorated over Pyongyang's nuclear programme and Beijing's subsequent backing of UN sanctions.

But as he embarked on a flurry of diplomacy last year, Kim ensured that Mr Xi - the leader of his country's key diplomatic supporter and main provider of trade and aid - was the first head of state he met.

The timing of Mr Xi's visit is likely to raise eyebrows at the White House as it comes one week before the G-20 summit in Japan, where Mr Trump expects to meet with Mr Xi to discuss their protracted trade war.

Analysts say that Mr Xi's journey is intended as a signal to Mr Trump of his influence and backing for Kim.

At a time when "serious and complicated changes are happening in international and regional situations", the two leaders exchanged "extensive views on important and regional matters including the situation of the Korean peninsula", KCNA reported of the summit meeting.

"The talks proceeded in a comradely, sincere and candid atmosphere and brought about common understanding of discussed issues," it said, adding Kim and Mr Xi agreed on "making positive joint efforts to promote close strategic communication" and deepen "mutual understanding".

The two also agreed to continue exchanging high-level visits among their officials and strengthen cooperation "in every field", the agency reported.

The North Korean outlet, however, did not report on Kim's remark that he was "willing to be patient" in continuing stalled nuclear talks with the US, which was reported by the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

AFP