TEHRAN, Jun 21 - North Korea's state media on Friday described North Korea-China relations as "invincible" as Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up a closely watched two-day visit to the North.
TEHRAN, Young Journalists Club (YJC) - Pyongyang's state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun carried front-page pictures that showed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju welcoming Xi on Thursday.
Kim said Xi's visit was an "important opportunity" for the two countries to boast their "invincible" and "unchangeable" friendship to the world, the official KCNA news agency reported.
The streets of Pyongyang were filled with cheers and "friendly affection" for Chinese citizens who have "shared joys and sorrows" with North Koreans while pursuing socialism, it added.
Xi is the first Chinese president to visit North Korea in 14 years, after relations between the Cold War-era allies deteriorated over Pyongyang's nuclear program and Beijing's subsequent backing of UN sanctions.
But as he embarked on a flurry of diplomacy last year, Kim ensured that Xi -- the leader of his country's key diplomatic supporter and main provider of trade and aid -- was the first head of state he met.
The timing of Xi's visit is likely to raise eyebrows at the White House as it comes one week before the G20 summit in Japan, where Trump expects to meet with Xi to discuss their protracted trade war.
Analysts say that Xi's journey is intended as a signal to Trump of his influence and backing for Kim.
Source: AFP
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