Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in a meeting in the DPRK capital on Monday promised to step-up cooperation between Beijing and North Korea on international affairs, as well as to expand other forms of cooperation between the two countries.

The Chinese foreign minister departed Beijing on Monday afternoon for a three-day visit to the North Korean capital, widely expected to see him discuss plans for the upcoming 70th anniversary of the two countries’ establishment of diplomatic ties.

It is unclear whether Wang will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during this week’s trip.

Reports in South Korean media