Xi and Kim to hold talks in Beijing

BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping and his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un will hold in-depth talks covering bilateral ties and issues of mutual concern, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the talks would "hold significant importance" but did not indicate when the meeting would take place.

"China stands ready to strengthen strategic communication and enhance exchanges and cooperation with the DPRK, deepen the sharing of governance experience, and advance the respective socialist causes and the traditional friendly cooperative relations between China and the DPRK," Guo told reporters at a regular briefing.

The meeting comes after a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday which Kim had attended, along with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both were seen walking and talking with Xi during the massive event which China used as a portrayal of force.