China says it is ready to develop its relationship with North Korea to strengthen strategic cooperation in international and regional affairs, North Korea’s state media KCNA reported.

Chinese President Xi Jinping made the comment in a letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday (October 9), KCNA said, adding that this was a reply to Kim’s message celebrating China’s anniversary of the foundation of the Communist Party.

China and North Korea are “good neighbours, good friends”, sharing destiny and helping each other, and the friendship is growing stronger, Mr. Xi was quoted as saying.

The two leaders prepared “a blueprint” for the development of relations at the meeting during Kim’s visit to China in September, Xi said in the letter quoted by KCNA.