DPRK, PRC foreign ministers held meeting in Pyongyang on Monday
Oliver Hotham, September 3rd, 2019
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in a meeting in the DPRK capital on Monday promised to step-up cooperation between Beijing and North Korea on international affairs, as well as to expand other forms of cooperation between the two countries.The Chinese foreign minister departed Beijing on Monday afternoon for a three-day visit to the North Korean capital, widely expected to see him discuss plans for the upcoming 70th anniversary of the two countries’ establishment of diplomatic ties.
It is unclear whether Wang will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during this week’s trip.
Reports in South Korean media have this week suggested that the two sides may be planning to hold a sixth summit in Beijing next month — a meeting that could coincide with the high-profile diplomatic anniversary on October 6.
For the 60th anniversary in 2009, China’s then-Premier Wen Jiabao visited Pyongyang to celebrate the occasion and meet with Kim Jong Il.
Speaking during a round of talks with his North Korean counterpart Ri Yong Ho at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Monday, Wang said Beijing is committed to implementing the “consensus” agreed to by the two countries’ leaders at their fifth summit in June.
“It is the unshakable policy of the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK friendly and cooperative relations,” Wang was quoted as having said in a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) released on Tuesday.
“China is willing to work with the DPRK to implement the important consensus reached by General Secretary Xi Jinping and Chairman Kim Jong Un as soon as possible,” he continued.
The Chinese foreign minister committed “to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations … promote friendly exchanges, promote pragmatic cooperation, and closely cooperate in the international arena.”
“The will of the top leaders of the two countries is being translated into joint action by both sides to promote the better development of China-DPRK relations.”
Wang then hailed North Korea’s “new strategic line” — a recent policy shift which has seen Pyongyang switch attention from its weapons program to its economy.
“New progress has been made in all economic and social undertakings,” he said. “We believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, the China-DPRK relationship standing at a new starting point will surely show a stronger vitality and usher in a better future.”
Wang’s local counterpart Ri Yong Ho, in turn, said that five summits between the two countries ‘ leaders since March last year had “jointly opened a new era” in relations between China and North Korea.
“The DPRK is willing to work with China to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and China and promote greater development of the DPRK-China relations in the new era,” Ri said.
The North Korean foreign minister also used the meeting to reaffirm the DPRK ruling party’s support for Beijing over the issue of Hong Kong — currently embroiled in a now months-long political crisis.
“I wish to reiterate that Hong Kong is China’s… and that external forces should not interfere,” he said.
“The North Korean party and government firmly support the Chinese party and government in safeguarding ‘one country, two systems’ and defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
North Korean state media is yet to provide coverage on Monday’s meeting, though the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did report that a reception took place later in the evening. Wang is set to depart Pyongyang on Wednesday.
Edited by Colin Zwirko
Featured image: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
