China stresses “friendly” ties with North KoreaJune 2, 2016 - 11:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - China's President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of "friendly" ties with North Korea, during a visit by a high-ranking Pyongyang official, BBC News reports. The visit from Workers Party Vice-Chairman Ri Su-yong is being seen as an attempt by the two countries to patch up their relationship. It has been strained by North Korea's recent military activity. Ri also delivered a message from leader Kim Jong-un saying the North would not end its nuclear programme. North Korea's KCNA state news agency reported that Kim had vowed to continue with his policy of economic progress alongside nuclear development, BBC says. China's Xinhua state news agency made no mention of the nuclear comments, but said Kim hoped to build closer ties with China. It quoted Xi repeating China's policy on the Korean peninsula, calling for calm and restraint, increased communication and regional stability. Ri's visit to China is the first by a North Korean official since a once-in-a-generation Workers Party Congress last month. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |