The two sides should enhance strategic communications and exchange views on major issues in a timely manner to build a good environment for the development of bilateral ties, Xi said, and the two countries should expand practical cooperation to bring more benefits to the people of both sides.

In their talks, Xi also stressed the importance of deepening mutual learning on the experience of governance, enhancing training of each other's officials and boosting exchanges in such areas as education, health, sports, media, youth and local government.

On behalf of the Workers' Party of Korea, the government and the people of the DPRK, Kim expressed a warm welcome to Xi, saying that the general secretary's visit, amid his tight schedule, is a great encouragement and shows political support for his party, government and people.

The visit is helpful for the two countries to recall the 70-year process of DPRK-China relations, map out the future for bilateral ties and demonstrate the unshakable traditional friendship between the two countries, Kim said.