Kim Jong-un highlights China ties with second border visit

Kim visited a cosmetics factory situated in Sinuiju, capital of the North Pyongan province. (Photo: Reuters)

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un continued to focus on strengthening economic ties with Beijing as he paid his second visit to the border with China in quick succession, state-media reported on Sunday.

Kim visited a cosmetics factory situated in Sinuiju, capital of the North Pyongan province, situated on the south bank of the Yalu River, which marks the border between the two countries, Efe news quoted the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as saying.

In 2002 Sinuiju was designated a special economic zone by Kim Jong-il, Kim Jong-un's father, with the aim of establishing joint economic projects with Beijing.

However, the execution in 2013 of Kim Jong-un's uncle Jang Song-thaek, a figure close to Beijing, led to the suspension of the projects.

During the factory visit, Kim Jong-un was accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-ju and Kim Song-nam, vice director of international affairs of the Workers' Party of Korea, who is considered in charge of relations with China.