Kim Jong Un sends condolences to Xi over deadly coal mine blast

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has extended condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping following a devastating gas explosion at a coal mine in China's Shanxi province. The incident, which occurred on April 22, resulted in the deaths of at least 82 people and left 128 injured, with two still missing. This makes it one of the most severe coal mine accidents in China since 2009.

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I am deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the coal mine gas explosion in China's Shanxi province, which caused numerous casualties. I express my deep condolences to General Secretary Xi Jinping, the Chinese Party, government, and people, and to the families of the victims.

Kim's message, which was given front-page prominence in the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper, expressed deep sympathy to Xi, the Chinese Communist Party, the government, and the families of the victims. He wished for the swift recovery from the aftermath and for the families to overcome their grief and regain stability under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party.

The exchange of messages occurs at a time when speculation is mounting about a potential visit by Xi Jinping to Pyongyang. The Chinese president, who met with US President Joe Biden in Beijing on April 15, is reportedly considering a trip to North Korea between late April and early May for a summit meeting. This diplomatic engagement highlights the ongoing relationship between the two nations, even as North Korea faces international sanctions.

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Under the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping, I sincerely hope that the Chinese people will overcome the aftermath of the damage as soon as possible, and that the bereaved families will overcome their grief and regain stability.

This is not the first time Kim Jong Un has sent a condolence message to a foreign leader. In December, he sent a similar message to Russian President Vladimir Putin following a plane crash in Russia's Far East. However, the message to Xi lacked the expressions of solidarity and shared grief that were present in the message to Putin, such as "Our people are sharing the misfortune and sorrow of our fraternal Russian people" and "Our people will always be with the Russian people."

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Our people are sharing the misfortune and sorrow of our fraternal Russian people.