Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un Hold Talks in Beijing

China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency says Chinese President Xi Jinping and leader of North Korea (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) Kim Jong Un have held a summit in Beijing.

The report says Kim was in China from Sunday to Wednesday.

The trip is Kim’s first to a foreign country since he became North Korea’s supreme leader in April of 2012.

Xi reportedly said positive changes have taken place on the Korean Peninsula this year and that China appreciates the important efforts made by North Korea.

Xi said China is adhering to the goal of denuclearizing the peninsula, safeguarding its peace and stability, and solving problems through dialogue and consultation, according to Xinhua.

Xinhua quotes Kim as saying that it is North Korea’s consistent stand to be committed to the denuclearization of the peninsula, in accordance with the will of late President Kim Il Sung and late General Secretary Kim Jong Il.

Observers say the leaders are likely to have discussed in detail the improvement of bilateral relations, which have been strained over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

They are also likely to have discussed Kim’s planned meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in late April and with US President Donald Trump by the end of May.