Chinese President Xi Jinping met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Beijing, Chinese media reported, without giving details about the content of the talks.

The two already attended a large military parade in the Chinese capital on September 3, along with other foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, to mark the end of World War II.

Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing on September 2 and is currently on a rare visit outside his country. This is his first trip to China since 2019, AFP reported.

Despite periods of tension due to Beijing's irritation with the consequences of Pyongyang's pursuit of nuclear and ballistic weapons, the two Asian countries maintain close relations, whose roots lie in the battlefields of the Korean War (1950-1953).

China provides diplomatic, political, and economic support to North Korea, which is subject to severe international sanctions.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiaqun said earlier today that Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un will meet for an "in-depth" exchange of views on bilateral relations.

"China is ready to work with North Korea to strengthen strategic communication, enhance exchanges and cooperation, and deepen the exchange of experience in the field of governance and administration," Guo added during a regular press conference.

Kim Jong-un already met with Vladimir Putin on September 3, who thanked him for sending North Korean troops against Ukrainian soldiers.

"Relations between our countries have become particularly friendly, based on trust between allies," the Russian president said on this occasion. | BGNES