PYONGYANG, Monday, June 8, 2026 (WNP): Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday said relations between China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) stand at a “new historical starting point,” as he pledged to deepen strategic cooperation and advance the longstanding friendship between the two neighboring socialist nations.

Xi made the remarks while attending a welcome banquet hosted by DPRK leader Kim Jong Un during his official visit to Pyongyang.

Addressing the gathering, Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK had withstood the test of time and continued to grow stronger despite changes in the international environment.

“China and the DPRK, linked by mountains and rivers and sharing a common future, have seen their traditional friendship passed down from generation to generation and become increasingly robust,” Xi said.

The Chinese leader noted that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, describing the milestone as an opportunity to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level.

Xi said he and Kim had reached important consensus during their talks on strengthening high-level exchanges, deepening strategic communication, expanding practical cooperation, enhancing people-to-people exchanges and promoting the high-quality development of bilateral ties.

“From the strategic perspective of the future and destiny of socialism, both sides have agreed to seize the opportunities of the times and respond to the aspirations of our peoples,” Xi said.

He added that China was committed to working with the DPRK to open new prospects for the socialist cause in both countries and contribute to peace, stability and development.

Referring to the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), Xi congratulated the DPRK leadership on its strategic plans for national development and expressed confidence that the North Korean people would continue to achieve progress under Kim’s leadership.

“As good neighbors, good friends and good comrades, China sincerely wishes the DPRK continued success in achieving the goals set by the Ninth Congress of the WPK and making new accomplishments in its socialist development,” Xi said.

Speaking at the banquet, Kim Jong Un welcomed Xi and described him as the DPRK’s “most distinguished guest.”

Kim said Xi’s decision to make the DPRK the destination of his first overseas trip of the year reflected the importance China attaches to bilateral relations and demonstrated strong support for the DPRK’s socialist cause.

The North Korean leader noted that the latest meeting took place nine months after their previous summit and said the two sides had reached important agreements on advancing bilateral relations in line with evolving regional and international circumstances.

Kim said the discussions also included exchanges of views on international and regional issues of mutual concern and would contribute to strengthening the traditional friendship between the two countries while promoting regional peace and stability.

“The DPRK people take heartfelt joy in the remarkable achievements made by the brotherly Chinese people,” Kim said.

He expressed confidence that China would continue to achieve new successes under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and advance its goal of national rejuvenation and socialist modernization.

Xi’s visit is being closely watched by regional observers as China and the DPRK seek to deepen political, economic and strategic cooperation amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Northeast Asia.

The visit also underscores the enduring importance of the China-DPRK partnership, one of the region’s most significant political and diplomatic relationships.