China and North Korea Pledge to Strengthen Long-standing Friendship

Park Myung-ho, a senior official from North Korea‘s foreign ministry, currently visiting China, held talks with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese State Councilor, on the 18th, as reported by local Chinese media including the People’s Daily.

The People’s Daily published photos showing Wang Yi and Park Myung-ho shaking hands and sitting face to face at a location that appears to be the Great Hall of the People. Park Myung-ho is known for his role as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in North Korea, and he has previously served as the Counselor and charge d’affaires at the North Korean Embassy in China.

During the meeting, Minister Wang emphasized the longstanding traditional friendship between China and North Korea, stating that it has been created and nurtured by generations of leaders from both countries. He referred to this friendship as a valuable asset shared by the two parties.

Furthermore, he stated, “Amidst the turbulent international situation, China and North Korea have consistently supported and trusted each other, demonstrating the strategic significance of friendly cooperation. China views the bilateral relationship from a long-term perspective and intends to strengthen communication and coordination with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, deepening exchanges and cooperation in various fields to successfully hold the 75th-anniversary commemorative events. We also plan to agree on the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries next year and promote the sustained and stable development of our friendly and cooperative relationship.”

In response, Park said, “Deepening and developing the relationship by the lofty will of the leaders of the two parties and the two countries and the requirements of the times is the firm and unwavering position of the North Korean party and government.” He further stated, “On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between North Korea and China, we will solidify brotherly friendship with China and promote continuous development,” and “We will continue to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to protect common interests and maintain peace and stability in the region.” Fengpai also reported that the two sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.

Park Myung-ho met with Sun Weidong, China’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Beijing on the 15th, with both sides agreeing to deepen their friendly cooperation and enhance strategic communication and coordination. The official Korean Central News Agency revealed the meeting on the 16th, stating, “Both sides exchanged opinions on strengthening and advancing bilateral relations and discussed issues of mutual interest, focusing on enhancing strategic cooperation between the two countries in 2024, the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and North Korea.”

By. Hyun Jung Kim