In a significant move to strengthen bilateral ties, top legislators from China and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) inaugurated the “China-DPRK Friendship Year” on Friday. Zhao Leji, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, and Choe Ryong Hae, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, attended the opening ceremony at the East Pyongyang Grand Theater.
Zhao Leji, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, highlighted the enduring friendship between the two socialist neighbors. “China and the DPRK are linked by mountains and rivers and share a bond as close as lips and teeth,” Zhao remarked. He emphasized the pivotal role of CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping and WPK General Secretary Kim Jong Un in guiding the development of China-DPRK relations, noting that they provide fundamental guidance and inject momentum into bilateral ties.
Expressing commitment to collaborative growth, Zhao stated, “China is ready to work with the DPRK to implement the important consensus reached by our top leaders, promote traditional friendship, deepen strategic mutual trust, and enhance exchanges and cooperation.” He called for joint efforts to “write a new chapter of the China-DPRK friendship.”
Choe Ryong Hae echoed these sentiments, acknowledging that under the guidance of both parties’ top leaders, the friendship between the two countries has become “unshakable and even firmer.” He noted, “As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the ‘DPRK-China Friendship Year,’ the DPRK is willing to join hands with China to strengthen and develop friendly cooperation.” Choe emphasized embarking on a new journey to vigorously advance the friendship between the two nations.
Following the ceremony, Zhao and Choe attended a performance by art troupes from both countries, showcasing cultural exchanges and mutual appreciation. Earlier in the day, Zhao paid tribute at the China-DPRK Friendship Tower, honoring the martyrs of the Chinese People’s Volunteers, and visited the Kangdong General Greenhouse Farm.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
