After completing a two‑day state visit to North Korea for the first time in seven years, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of China, sent a letter of thanks to Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, saying that bilateral ties had “entered a new historic journey.” Since he did not send such a message during his June 2019 visit, this marks the first time he has done so — a sign of his satisfaction with the outcome of the trip.

		0
Chinese President and General Secretary Xi Jinping shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ahead of a summit at the Kumsusan Guest Palace in Pyongyang on the 8th. / Xinhua

According to diplomatic sources in Beijing on June 10, President Xi sent a letter of thanks on June 9, the day he returned home, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome he received during his visit to North Korea from Chairman Kim Jong Un, First Lady Ri Sol Ju, and the North Korean people. “This fully demonstrated the deep friendship between the two parties and the two countries,” he wrote.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a letter of thanks after his summit in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024, with sources saying he too expressed great satisfaction at the time.

In his message, Xi emphasized: “The in‑depth exchange of views with the General Secretary on issues of common concern and the series of important shared understandings we reached have added new content to the DPRK‑China relationship in a new era.”

He continued: “Both sides have shown firm determination to carry forward traditional friendship, jointly promote development and prosperity, and safeguard peace and stability in the region and beyond.”

Xi expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his visit, stating: “China‑DPRK relations have already entered a new historic journey.” He added: “By grasping the trend of the times and based on the fundamental and long‑term interests of both countries, we will continue to safeguard, consolidate, and develop our relations, thereby driving forward the socialist cause of both nations.”

He further stressed: “We are willing to provide greater benefits to the peoples of both countries and make new and greater contributions to the progressive cause of world peace and development.”

Xi also expressed his hope to meet Kim again, adding: “May the friendship between China and the DPRK be passed down from generation to generation and remain evergreen.”

According to sources, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic communication, expanding practical cooperation, and carrying forward traditional friendship through the summit and joint statement. They also agreed to expand exchanges and cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, agriculture, construction, science and technology, education, culture, and sports, as well as to increase high‑level exchanges.

                                                                                                            Hong Soon‑do