Beijing and Pyongyang to mark key anniversary

China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea "have always firmly supported and trusted each other "and Beijing is willing to strengthen two-way communication and coordination, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, China's foreign minister said on Monday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the pledge during a meeting with visiting DPRK Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong-ho in Beijing on Monday.

Pak came to China to hold diplomatic consultations with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong on Friday.

Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of China-DPRK diplomatic relations.

On Monday, Wang told Pak that China is ready to work with the DPRK to organize a series of commemorative activities for the 75th anniversary next year and to "advance the sustained, steady development of China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations".

"China has always tackled China-DPRK relations from a strategic height and in a long-term perspective," Wang said.

In recent years, China-DPRK traditional friendship has been further carried forward into the new era given the strategic leadership and personal push by the top leaders of the two parties — the Communist Party of China and the Workers' Party of Korea — and the two countries.

In the face of the turbulent international situation, China and the DPRK have always stood firm in supporting and trusting each other, "highlighting the strategic significance of China-DPRK friendship and cooperation", Wang said.

Pak said it is the unswerving position of his party and the DPRK government to continuously deepen and develop DPRK-China relations in accordance with the noble will of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, as well as the requirements of the new era.

Pyongyang is willing to work with Beijing to take the anniversary of their diplomatic ties as an opportunity to consolidate the brotherly friendship and promote the sustained growth of relations between the two countries, Pak said.

Multilateral collaboration

The DPRK will continue to strengthen multilateral collaboration with the Chinese side to safeguard common interests and maintain regional peace and stability.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues of common concern.

This year, Beijing and Pyongyang have publicly marked the 70th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral agreement on economic and cultural cooperation.

China's official delegations visited the DPRK at Pyongyang's invitation and took part in relevant events in July and September.

This "effectively promotes the deepening of China-DPRK friendship and cooperation", Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun said at a commemorative reception last month.

China is willing to work with the DPRK to "revisit and summarize the successful experience in developing the ties between the two parties and the two countries", he said.