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A North Korean party and government delegation, led by Premier of the Cabinet Pak Tae-song, visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China on July 12, the Korean Central News Agency reported on July 13. / Photo courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

North Korea's Premier Pak Tae-song has returned home after touring urban infrastructure facilities in China during a visit to mark the 65th anniversary of the signing of the North Korea-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance. Premier Pak also sent a message of gratitude to Chinese Premier Li Qiang, reaffirming Pyongyang's commitment to strengthening and developing bilateral relations.

According to the Rodong Sinmun on July 13, the North Korean delegation led by Premier Pak visited the Beijing Subway Operational Control Center, China Resource Recycling Group Co., Ltd., and a green, low-carbon circular economy demonstration base yesterday prior to their departure. The visits reflect Pyongyang’s interest in transportation systems, waste recycling, and eco-friendly economic models. Analysts view the move as aligning closely with North Korea's ongoing "Regional Development 20×10" policy.

North Korea is currently implementing the initiative with the goal of raising regional living standards by constructing modern local industrial factories in 20 cities and counties each year. Now in its third year, the policy has expanded beyond mere factory construction to upgrade broader public infrastructure, including hospitals and comprehensive service centers.

The state-run newspaper reported that while visiting the Beijing Subway Operational Control Center, the delegation was briefed on China's achievements in modernizing its public transportation and transit systems.

Premier Pak also visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China, where he wrote in the guestbook, expressing his hope that the Chinese people, under the leadership of the Communist Party, would continuously achieve new successes in building a modern socialist state.

On his journey back to North Korea, Pak sent a cable of thanks to Premier Li, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to the delegation. He stated that in accordance with the noble intentions of the top leaders of both nations, North Korea is ready to make joint efforts with Chinese comrades to comprehensively expand and develop the traditional friendly and cooperative bilateral relations in line with the demands of the new era.

Premier Pak arrived in China on July 10 for a three-day visit to mark the 65th anniversary of the bilateral treaty. During his stay, he paid a courtesy call on Chinese President Xi Jinping and held talks on July 11 with Premier Li Qiang, China's second-ranking official. He also held a series of meetings with other high-ranking Chinese figures, including Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (ranked third), and Cai Qi, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee (ranked fifth).

After touring urban infrastructure facilities in Beijing and Tianjin on July 12, Premier Pak and his delegation returned home via a charter flight.

                                                                                                          Mok Yong-jae