North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi have reached a full agreement during their discussions on international and regional issues.

South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported on Monday that Choe said, “The recent military parade clearly demonstrated China’s historic achievements, its international status, and comprehensive national strength.” She added that her country will actively work to deepen and develop bilateral friendship in line with what was agreed during the summit talks between the two countries’ leaders, also reaffirming North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s commitment expressed during the talks that the relations between his country and China will never be shaken regardless of changes in the international situation.

Wang described Kim’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping as “providing guidance and a blueprint to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level,” noting that based on the common ground between the two leaders, China and North Korea need to strengthen “strategic communications,” exchanges, and cooperation to jointly maintain regional peace and stability, affirming China’s “steadfast” position to enhance relations with Pyongyang.

Wang added that Choe’s visit to China will provide an opportunity to improve bilateral relations and enhance mutual interests between the two countries.

This meeting represents Choe’s first personal encounter with the Chinese foreign minister since assuming her post in June 2022, and her first independent visit to China since then.

The meeting comes amid speculation about whether Xi will attend the North Korean military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Korean Workers’ Party on October 10.