China and North Korea declare 2024 a 'year of friendship'

In his message, Xi stated that the traditional friendship between China and North Korea, initiated by the former leaders of the two countries and parties, was "forged in revolutionary struggle" and has "continuously deepened during the process of socialist construction."

Emphasizing that the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government always view their relations with North Korea from a "strategic and long-term perspective" in the new era, Xi said, "China is ready to work with North Korea to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the China-North Korea Year of Friendship as an opportunity to deepen long-term friendship, enhance mutual strategic trust, increase cooperation and exchanges, and contribute to regional peace and stability."

In his message, North Korean leader Kim also emphasized that 2024, which marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, is a critical year, noting that "socialist construction in both countries has entered a new stage of progress" and that "the international situation is undergoing complex changes."

Kim noted that they wish to develop the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries in accordance with the "needs of the times" and in line with the wishes and expectations of the peoples of both nations.

NORTH KOREA SEEKS CLOSER TIES AGAINST THE US AND JAPAN

Following the United States' recent increase in defense cooperation with South Korea and Japan in response to the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear program and guided missile tests, it is observed that North Korea is also taking steps toward a strategic rapprochement with Russia and China.

The Pyongyang administration had closed all its borders to the outside world in March 2020 following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contacts between China and North Korea resumed with the visit of a delegation led by Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guocong to North Korea on September 9, 2023, for the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Pak Myong Ho visited Beijing on December 17-18, 2023, and held meetings with his Chinese counterpart Sun Weidong and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Vice Minister Pak conveyed the message that North Korea "will continue to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to protect common interests, regional peace, and stability."

The Pyongyang administration is also trying to increase dialogue and coordination with Russia through high-level contacts, in addition to China. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Russia's Amur region in September 2023.

It was alleged that the meeting between Kim and Putin could be a step toward military cooperation between the two countries, which are under sanctions.