Pyongyang Celebrates DPRK-China Friendship

Pyongyang holds musical and dance performances at the opening ceremony of the "Year of DPRK-China Friendship" at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre, with China's top legislator Zhao Leji in attendance.

Senior North Korean official Choe Ryong Hae also attended the event, following meetings between the two in the North Korean capital.

Beijing's third highest-ranking official Zhao Leji -- a member of the powerful Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo -- is on a goodwill visit to the nuclear-armed North as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic ties.

China is North Korea's most important economic benefactor and diplomatic ally, obstructing US-led efforts at the UN Security Council alongside Russia to impose stricter sanctions on Kim Jong Un's regime in response to its increased weapons tests.

Zhao arrived in the North Korean capital and met North Korean counterpart Choe Ryong Hae, discussing exchange and cooperation in all fields, including politics, economy and culture.

"The talks exchanged views on the regional and international issues of mutual concern," it added, without specifying.

Xi last met Kim in 2019 before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, making the Pyongyang meeting between Zhao and Choe one of the most high-level meetings in years.

South Korean local media reports said Zhao's visit could include planning for Kim's next potential state visit to Beijing.

China's state-run news agency said the two officials also discussed the "situation on the Korean peninsula," and Zhao expressed Beijing's willingness to "intensify legislative exchanges and cooperation".

Choe and Zhao signed relevant cooperation documents in the fields of mutual exemption of diplomatic visas between China and North Korea, mutual translation and publication of classic works, customs and quarantine, radio and television, and postal express delivery.