China’s leading political strategist Wang Huning held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday, as the two countries marked the anniversary of their mutual defense treaty, DPRK state media reported the next day.

After Wang conveyed greetings from Chinese leader Xi Jinping, he and Kim discussed the significance of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, signed in July 1961, according to the North Korean party daily Rodong Sinmun.

Wang arrived in Pyongyang on Wednesday with a large delegation to mark the treaty’s 65th anniversary. 

Kim welcomed Xi’s delegation, saying it demonstrated “China’s firm