Kim says he wants to bring North Korea-China relations to new strategic level

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said he wants to bring relations between North Korea and China to a new strategic level, according to a report carried by TASS citing a news agency.

Kim also expressed willingness to work toward safeguarding the common interests of the two countries, the report said, without elaborating on specific policy areas or agreements that might be part of this effort.

The statement comes amid a broader context of North Korea's long-standing relationship with China, its most significant international ally and primary trading partner. Pyongyang has periodically signaled interest in deepening ties with Beijing, particularly amid continued international sanctions and isolation from much of the rest of the world.

The report did not specify the occasion or setting in which Kim made the remarks, nor did it include a response from Chinese officials.

Further details on any concrete steps toward strengthening the relationship are expected to follow as both governments respond to or build on the stated intentions.