Dewey Simin BeijingandFan Chenin Hong Kong

Beijing and Pyongyang should deepen strategic coordination in regional and international affairs to safeguard “mutual interests”, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday in his first sit-down withNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un in six years.

“The Chinese Communist Party and government attach great importance to the traditionalfriendship between China and North Korea and are willing to maintain, consolidate and develop China-North Korea relations,” he said, according to state news agency Xinhua.

“This position will not change regardless of how the international situation evolves.”

In the meeting, Xi described China and North Korea as “good neighbours”, saying Beijing would continue to deepen coordination with Pyongyang to maintain peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.

“China and North Korea should strengthen strategic coordination in international and regional affairs to safeguard mutual interests,” he said.

“China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges and strategic communication with North Korea, deepen exchanges of experience in party and state governance, and deepen mutual understanding and friendship.