China's Xi 'backs closer co-operation with N.Korea'

Chinese President Xi Jinping says he is willing to strengthen strategic communications and co-operate closely with North Korea, North Korean state media reports.

Xi sent congratulations to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the 77th anniversary of North Korea's founding, state media KCNA said.

"The Chinese side is ready to join hands in promoting the China-DPRK friendship and the socialist cause of the two countries through the intensified strategic communication and brisk visits and close co-operation with the DPRK side," KCNA quoted Xi's message as saying, referring to North Korea's official name.

The leaders of the two nuclear-armed neighbours met in Beijing last week when Kim attended a military parade there on a rare trip to a multilateral gathering.

At their first meeting in six