Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang on Monday for a rare state visit to North Korea, marking his first trip to the country in seven years and his first state visit there since 2019.
Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were welcomed at the airport by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, according to Chinese state media.
The visit began with a 21-gun salute, military honours and crowds waving Chinese and North Korean flags across the capital.
A festive reception was also held at Kim Il Sung Square, where children and residents gathered with flowers, balloons and banners celebrating ties between the two countries.
Xi is expected to hold talks with Kim during the two-day visit, with the leaders set to discuss bilateral relations and broader regional issues.
Ahead of the trip, Xi described relations between Beijing and Pyongyang as being at a “new historical starting point” and facing “new development opportunities”.
In comments published by North Korean state media, Xi also praised what he described as a longstanding friendship and mutual trust between the two nations.
The visit carries added diplomatic importance as Xi’s first foreign trip is often viewed as a signal of Beijing’s international priorities.
The Chinese leader has reduced overseas travel in recent years, making the Pyongyang visit particularly notable.
North Korea organised an elaborate welcome ceremony for Xi, featuring a guard of honour, military bands and large crowds lining key locations in the capital.
State media footage showed Kim and Ri greeting Xi and Peng on a red carpet as North Korean troops stood in formation.
Banners displayed messages celebrating friendship and unity between China and North Korea, while crowds waved flags from both countries.
The two leaders last met in Beijing a year ago during commemorations marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
Xi’s visit comes as both sides emphasise the importance of maintaining and developing their longstanding relationship, with further details of their discussions expected during the summit meetings in Pyongyang.