"Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a North Korean official expressed firm support and confidence in the relations between their countries during a meeting," reported AFP.
"The traditional friendship between China and North Korea is a valuable asset shared by both countries," Wang told Park Myung-ho, North Korea's vice foreign minister, who is leading a delegation to Beijing.
"Amid the turbulent international situation, China and North Korea have always firmly supported and trusted each other, demonstrating the strategic importance of bilateral friendly cooperation," Wang added.
Pyongyang extended its record number of weapons tests this year with the launch of an ICBM-class missile whose potential range could cover the US territory, according to Japan's defense ministry.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry's report on the meeting in Beijing said the two sides "exchanged views on issues of common concern" but did not give specific details on what was discussed.
Beijing is "willing to work with North Korea to deepen communication and coordination, to increase exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and to promote the continuous and stable development of China-North Korea relations of friendly cooperation," the Chinese minister added. /BGNES
