[HIGHLIGHTS] Beijing wants to “develop” its relations with Pyongyang, according to a Chinese official

Zhao Leji is chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress - China's parliament. He is the third most important Chinese politician, after President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

Zhao Leji has been visiting North Korea since Thursday to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Beijing is Pyongyang's main economic supporter and a long-time ally. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is also seeking to strengthen his ties with China while toughening his tone towards his southern neighbor. The two politicians attended several shows, presented by Chinese and North Korean “prestigious artistic troupes” at the Grand Theater in eastern Pyongyang, according to KCNA, using the acronym of the official name of North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), KCNA said. The pair also attended an "opening" ceremony of the "DPRK-China Friendship Year" on Friday, the North's state agency reported..