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 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |