Wang Yi vows deeper ties with DPRK on Pyongyang trip

Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday told his Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) counterpart Choe Son Hui that China was willing to step up exchanges and cooperation with Pyongyang. Xinhua News Agency reported that Wang – who is on a two day official visit to the DPRK – said China stands ready to work with the DPRK to continue consolidating the positive momentum in the development of China-DPRK relations. "China is willing to work with the DPRK to... enhance dialogue and practical cooperation at all levels and across various fields, [and] deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges," he said. Wang added that the September meeting in Beijing between President Xi Jinping and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un provided "important strategic guidance for the next stage of development" in ties between the two countries, Xinhua reported. The visit by Wang comes shortly after the neighbours resumed transport links that were halted since the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier on Thursday, photos showed Choe greeting Wang on his arrival at Pyongyang's airport, walking with him on a red carpet before an enthusiastic crowd. (Xinhua/AFP) Edited by Aaron Tam