Xi, Kim exchange congratulations on 60th anniversary of friendship treaty

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Sunday exchanged congratulations with Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), also chairman of the State Affairs Commission and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance Between China and the DPRK.

Recalling the signing of the treaty in 1961, Xi said the "strategic decision" has laid an important political and legal foundation for promoting lasting friendly cooperation between the two countries.

Guided by the spirit of the treaty, China and the DPRK have been supporting and collaborating closely with each other over the past 60 years, he said.

The treaty "has given a strong boost to the causes of socialist construction of the two countries and also made important contributions to the regional and global peace and stability," he added.

Xi also mentioned his meetings with Kim over the years, highlighting that a series of important consensuses were reached.

"I am ready to work with Comrade General Secretary to strengthen strategic communication, steer the direction of China-DPRK relations, take bilateral friendly cooperation to a new level and deliver more benefits to the two countries and two peoples," Xi said.

Noting the CPC's centenary in 2021, Xi said China firmly supports the DPRK in developing the economy and people's livelihood and in vigorously advancing socialist construction as guided by the decisions made at the 8th national Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea.

For his part, Kim hailed the friendship between the two countries during the 60 years and said the bilateral relations have reached a higher stage against the complex and volatile international situation.

Stressing the firm stance in promoting bilateral friendly cooperation ties, Kim said his country will march forward with the CPC, the Chinese government and the Chinese people on the journey of building socialism and communism.

He also congratulated the CPC on its centenary and wished China greater success in building a modern socialist country in all respects and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

On the same day, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also exchanged congratulations with DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Son Gwon on the 60th anniversary of the signing of the treaty, vowing that the foreign ministries of the two sides will actively conduct exchanges and cooperation and push for continuous development of bilateral relations.