North Korea's minister of information technology (IT) has met with the Chinese envoy to the country for talks on boosting cooperation, Beijing's embassy in the North said Thursday. The meeting between Ju Yong-il, the North's minister of IT Industry, and Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun on Wednesday came as the countries mark the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties this year. China is North Korea's traditional ally and economic benefactor. During the meeting, Ju called for strengthening bilateral exchange and cooperation to positively contribute to their traditionally friendly relations, while Wang said China is willing to ceaselessly improve their bilateral ties, the embassy said. South Korea's unification ministry earlier said North Korea and China are expected to have "vibrant" exchanges this year with the North declaring 2024 as the "year of DPRK-China friendship." DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Source: Yonhap News Agency
