Chinese state media has confirmed that Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un is on a surprise visit to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Rumours circulated earlier this week after Japanese media reported a high-profile figure had arrived on a special train to Beijing. The North Korean leader's visit has now been confirmed by both China and DPRK through their government-run news media arms.

Images broadcast on Chinese state television CCTV showed Kim and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, meeting with officials during the trip. The visit reportedly began from March 25 and will last until March 28. The North Korean leader held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and his deputies, including Li Keqiang, the Chinese premier, and Wang Qishan, the Chinese vice president who is considered one of Xi's closest confidantes, according to China's state-run Xinhua news agency.

The trip to Beijing is Kim Jong-un's first tour abroad since he took the reins of North Korea after his father, Kim Jong Il, died in 2011. China is a traditional ally and one of the few countries still trading with North Korea. In fact, DPRK’s economy is highly dependent on China for oil and supply of essential goods.

Kim held "successful talks" with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, Chinese-media Xinhua reports. "In this spring full of happiness and hopes, I believe my first meeting with General Secretary Xi Jinping will yield abundant fruits of DPRK-China friendship, and facilitate peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," said Kim, according to the news agency.

Xinhua said that Kim had assured his Chinese counterpart he is committed to de-nuclearisation. "The issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula can be resolved, if South Korea and the United States respond to our efforts with goodwill, create an atmosphere of peace and stability while taking progressive and synchronous measures for the realization of peace," Kim said. North Korea's KCNA news agency called the visit "a milestone" in improving ties with China.

The visit is considered a significant step in North Korea's preparation for talks agreed in principle with South Korea and the United States. It is also notable as the bilateral relationship between China and North Korea had taken a downturn after Kim proceeded with a series of nuclear tests in 2017 which had led Beijing to support UN-led economic sanctions against Pyongyang.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 28, 2018 06:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).