North Korea’s Kim Hails ‘Cooperative’ Ties With China at State Celebration

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (2nd R), Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary To Lam (R) and China's Premier Li Qiang (3rd R) attend an event marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang on October 9, 2025. YEKATERINA SHTUKINA / POOL / AFP

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday, praising the two countries’ “friendly and cooperative relations”, as Kim oversaw celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party, state media reported.

Li’s visit came as the neighbors seek to maintain a close relationship despite periods of strained ties between China and North Korea over Pyongyang’s nuclear program.

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by Agence France-Presse

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