Xi's top aide receives North Korea's Kim in Beijing

ISTANBUL

Chinese President Xi Jinping's top aide Cai Qi on Tuesday received North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing, where he will attend military parade marking the 80th anniversary of World War II.

Kim, along with Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be among the state leaders from 26 countries attending the parade on Wednesday.

It will be the North Korean leader’s maiden participation in any multilateral event since he assumed power in 2011.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Beijing's Mayor Yin Yong, and other senior officials were among those who greeted Kim at Beijing Railway Station, according to North Korean state-run Korean Central News Agency.

Kim expressed his pleasure at visiting China after six years and thanked Xi, China and Chinese people "for their enthusiastic and cordial hospitality," it added.

Kim is accompanied by his daughter Kim Ju Ae, according to photos shared by the KCNA.