BEIJING — State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Foreign Minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Ri Yong Ho in Beijing on Dec 7.

Wang said the leaders of the two countries met three times this year, bringing bilateral ties to a new stage.

He said China stands ready to work with the DPRK to push for greater development of bilateral ties.

“The two sides should continue to push for positive development of the Korean Peninsula situation in the direction of denuclearization,” Wang said.

“China hopes that the DPRK and the United States continue dialogue and resolve each other’s concerns in a balanced way,” he said, adding that China also supports the DPRK and the Republic of Korea in advancing reconciliation and cooperation.

Ri said that the DPRK is willing to keep communication and coordination with China to safeguard the stability and development of the Korean Peninsula and the region.