Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to promote exchanges between China and North Korea and to strengthen strategic cooperation on international and regional issues.

According to the North’s state Korean Central News Agency on Sunday, Xi reaffirmed the commitment in a message sent to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Thursday in response to Kim’s congratulatory message for the 76th anniversary of China’s founding.

Calling the two nations “great neighbors, friends and comrades” in the message, Xi said the friendship between the two countries is growing stronger with time.

Xi reportedly said China will work with North Korea to uphold and further develop that friendship, to deepen friendly exchanges and cooperation, and to strengthen strategic cooperation on international and regional affairs.

He also said China is willing to work with North Korea to safeguard regional peace and stability, as well as international equity and justice.