PRESIDENT Xi Jinping held talks with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Beijing on Tuesday.

In a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the two leaders had an in-depth exchange of views on China-DPRK relations and issues of common concern, and reached important consensus.

The two sides agreed to make joint efforts to push for continuous new development of China-DPRK relations in the new era, advance the political settlement process of the Korean Peninsula issue, bring more benefits to the people of the two countries, and make positive contributions to the peace, stability, prosperity and development of the world.

Xi stressed that China-DPRK relations opened a new historic chapter in 2018. The two sides should maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation, and promote the long-term, healthy and stable development of China-DPRK relations.

Xi spoke highly of the positive measures taken by the DPRK side to maintain peace and stability and promote the realization of denuclearization on the peninsula. He said major progress was made in the process of a political solution to the Korean Peninsula issue last year with joint efforts of China, the DPRK and relevant parties.

China supports the DPRK’s continued adherence to the direction of denuclearization on the peninsula, supports the continuous improvement of inter-Korean relations, supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits, and supports relevant parties resolving their respective legitimate concerns through dialogue, Xi said.

China hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway, Xi said, adding China stands ready to work with the DPRK and relevant parties to play a positive and constructive role in maintaining peace and stability and realizing denuclearization on the peninsula and lasting peace and stability in the region.

Kim said the Korean Peninsula situation has been easing since last year, and China’s important role in this process is obvious to all. He said the DPRK side highly and sincerely appreciates the Chinese efforts.

The DPRK will continue sticking to the stance of denuclearization and resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation, and make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and U.S. leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community, Kim said.

Kim said that having visited China four times in less than a year, he was deeply impressed by the achievements made in China’s economic and social development as well as the Chinese people’s spirit and character of striving for the country’s prosperity.

South Korea’s National Security Council held a meeting Thursday, attended by ministers of foreign affairs, unification and defense, the intelligence agency chief, and presidential chief of staff.

They discussed Kim’s visit to China from Monday to Thursday, agreeing that the outcome would positively influence the successful holding of the second DPRK-U.S. summit, according to the Blue House.

Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump held the first DPRK-U.S. summit in Singapore in June last year. They have expressed hope to meet again in the near future.

The Blue House said South Korea would continue active efforts to pursue a virtuous cycle of denuclearization talks.(Xinhua)