North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song thanks China, vows to advance ties

North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song has concluded a three-day official visit to China, expressing his gratitude and commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. The trip coincided with the 65th anniversary of the North Korea-China Friendship Treaty, signaling a renewed focus on strengthening their relationship.

Upon his return, Pak sent a message to Chinese Premier Li Qiang, conveying thanks to Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Zhao Leji, the third-highest-ranking official in China. Pak expressed satisfaction with the visit and affirmed his willingness to work with Chinese counterparts to "comprehensively expand and develop the traditional Sino-Korean friendly cooperative relations in line with the requirements of the new era."

During his stay, Pak received high-level treatment, meeting with both President Xi and Premier Li. He visited significant locations in Beijing, including the China National Convention Center and the Beijing Urban Rail Transit Command Center. Reports from Chinese state media indicated that Pak showed keen interest in Beijing's urban rail system, inquiring about transfer methods and network operations.

Pak also toured industrial sites in Tianjin, such as the China Resource Circular Economy Industrial Park and the Great Wall Motor factory, and attended a welcoming banquet hosted by the Tianjin Municipal Party Committee Secretary. Given Pak's role overseeing North Korea's economy, the visit is expected to have spurred discussions on economic cooperation. Premier Li had previously identified economic and trade expansion, along with cooperation in health, education, and transportation networks, as key areas for exchange during his meeting with Pak.

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We express our willingness to jointly strive to comprehensively expand and develop the traditional Sino-Korean friendly cooperative relations in line with the requirements of the new era, following the noble intentions of the leaders of the two countries.