Chinese FM, North Korean Leader Discuss Ties, Issues on Korean Peninsula
China supports and congratulates the leaders of North and South Korea on the successful completion of the interKorean summit last month, which has brought beneficial opportunities for a political solution to the Korean Peninsula issue, visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.
He made the remarks when meeting with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) during his two-day visit to the country. Mr Kim crossed the inter-Korean border on April 27 and met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in the demilitarised zone of Panmunjom.
On the border village, the leaders pledged to end the Korean War and reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in the Panmunjom Declaration.
China supports an end to the state of war on the Peninsula, and backs North Korea’s decision to shift its strategic focus on economic development and the resolution of North Korea’s legitimate security concerns during the process of denuclearisation, Mr Wang said.
He noted that with full considerations and resolute decision on the Korean Peninsula issue, the move from North Korea side has brought positive changes to the peninsula’s condition.
China is willing to maintain communication with North Korea over the issue and advance co-ordination between the two countries, he added.
Conveying Chinese President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings to Mr Kim, Mr Wang said that the historic meeting between Mr Xi and Mr Mr Kim during Mr Kim’s visit to China in late March has opened a new chapter for the two countries’ relations.
The two leaders reached a series of significant consensuses during the meeting, jointly planned and guided bilateral ties to enter a new stage of development, he said.
For his part, Mr Kim asked Mr Wang to transfer his greetings to President Mr Xi and spoke highly of China’s efforts and contributions to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. He said that North Korea is willing to strengthen strategic communication with China.
Mr Kim also recalled his unofficial visit to China in late March, calling it a “historical visit.” Following comprehensive and indepth talks with President Mr Xi, they have reached important consensus and achieved fruitful results, Mr Kim said to Mr Wang. During Mr Kim’s visit, Mr Xi said that positive changes had taken place on the Korean Peninsula since this year, and China appreciates the important efforts made by North Korea. The Chinese leader added that China sticks to the goal of denuclearisation of the peninsula, safeguarding peace and stability on the peninsula and solving problems through dialogue and consultation.
Achieving the denuclearisation of the Peninsula is the firm position of the North Korea side, Mr Kim said, adding that North Korea is willing to restore mutual dialogue and establish mutual trust and explore the root causes of the threat to peace in the Peninsula.
It’s meaningful that positive changes have appeared on the Korean Peninsula as they are helpful to solve problems peacefully, North Korea leader said.
As for North KoreaChina ties, Mr Kim said it is the valuable legacy left by leaders of elder generations of both countries, adding that consolidating and improving North Korea-China friendly co-operation is a firm strategic policy of North Korea.