North Korea and China leaders agree to boost ties at Pyongyang summit

China's Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong Un agreed to strengthen ties during talks in Pyongyang on June 8, in a rare visit that official and wire reports said underscored renewed efforts to deepen political and economic cooperation.

Xinhua said Xi arrived in Pyongyang for a state visit and later called on both sides to consolidate political mutual trust and enhance practical cooperation. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also confirmed the talks in the North Korean capital.

Reuters-syndicated reporting, citing North Korea's KCNA, said the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in politics, economy and culture. AP reported the visit was Xi's first to North Korea in seven years.

The summit came as both countries face broader regional and international pressures, and it pointed to an effort to keep the relationship active through more regular political contact and practical exchanges.

It was not immediately clear whether the meeting produced a detailed joint statement or new concrete agreements beyond the broad pledge to deepen ties.