On the evening of June 8 local time, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China, and his wife Peng Liyuan attended a welcome banquet held by Kim Jong-il, General Secretary of the Korean Workers’ Party and Chief State Councilor, at the Mulan Hall in Pyongyang.
On the way to the Mulan Hall, along the road were enthusiastic people dressed in traditional ethnic costumes, warmly welcoming the vehicle carrying Xi Jinping. The banquet hall of the Mulan Hall was decorated with lights and flowers, creating a festive and lively atmosphere.
Around 7 p.m., Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan arrived at the Mulan Hall. Kim Jong-il and his wife, Li Xueru, warmly welcomed them. The leaders of both parties and countries took a friendly photo together. The leaders of the North Korean party and state stood in line to pay their respects.
Subsequently, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan stepped into the banquet hall accompanied by Kim Jong-un and Li Xuezhu. All the attendees stood up to welcome them.
In loud applause, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un delivered speeches respectively.
Xi Jinping pointed out that China and North Korea are connected by mountains and rivers, sharing a common destiny. The traditional friendship between China and North Korea has been passed down through generations and has remained strong despite the changes in international circumstances. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-North Korean Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance. Relations between China and North Korea stand at a new historical starting point. During this visit, I reached an important consensus with General Secretary Kim Jong-un. We agree that we should take a strategic perspective on the future of socialism, grasp the trends of the times, respond to the common aspirations of the people of both countries, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen strategic communication, expand practical cooperation, enhance people-to-people ties, promote the high-level development of relations between China and North Korea, and work together to create a brighter future for the socialist cause in both countries, thereby contributing to the continuous progress of human society.
Xi Jinping stated that this year, the 9th National Congress of the Korean Workers’ Party was successfully held, which made strategic plans and major arrangements for the long-term development of the Korean party and country. This marked the beginning of a new era of comprehensive development of socialism in Korea. As good neighbors, friends, and comrades, the Chinese side sincerely wishes that under the strong leadership of General Secretary Kim Jong-un, the Korean Workers’ Party, the Korean people will successfully achieve the goals set forth at the 9th National Congress, and continue to create new opportunities for the development of socialism in Korea.
Kim Jong-un, on behalf of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's party, government, and people, expresses his most sincere welcome to Xi Jinping's visit. Kim Jong-un stated that today's Pyongyang is filled with a sense of friendship, and he warmly welcomes the most honored guests of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's party, government, and people. President Xi Jinping's first foreign trip this year to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea demonstrates his high regard for the development of relations between the two parties and countries, as well as his most valuable support for the socialist cause in North Korea.
Kim Jong-un said that after 9 months, I met with Comrade General Secretary Xi Jinping once again. We reached an important consensus on further advancing the relations between North Korea and China with a new era's meaning, taking into account the changes in the situation. We also exchanged extensive views on international and regional issues of common concern. This will surely accelerate the development of the profound historical friendship between North Korea and China, contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world. The Korean people are truly happy about the great achievements made by their brother, the Chinese people. They believe that under the leadership of Comrade General Secretary Xi Jinping, the great Chinese people will achieve even greater accomplishments in building a modern socialist country, fulfilling the second centenary goal, and embarking on a new journey to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Cai Qí and Wang Yì attended the banquet.
