Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular news briefing that China is willing to work with North Korea to enhance exchanges and advance what she described as “traditional friendly and cooperative relations” between the two neighbors.

The visit comes as Beijing signals continued engagement with Pyongyang amid a complex regional security environment, where diplomatic alignments remain under close scrutiny.

Mao did not provide further details on the itinerary or specific agenda of Wang’s visit, but reiterated China’s commitment to maintaining stable and constructive ties with North Korea.

China has historically been North Korea’s closest ally and largest trading partner, playing a key role in diplomatic efforts on the Korean Peninsula.

The latest visit reflects ongoing efforts by Beijing to sustain high-level dialogue and reinforce its influence in the region.

The move, announced by Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram, will redirect procurement spending toward domestic suppliers and allied countries, according to an Israeli defense spokeswoman.

Policy rift deepensIsrael said the decision was in response to several French actions, including recognition of a Palestinian state, exclusion of Israeli firms from defense exhibitions, and a ban on Israeli aircraft carrying munitions for operations against Iran from transiting French airspace.

“The French ban was imposed despite prior coordination,” the spokeswoman said, adding that Israel viewed the measures as harmful to bilateral defense cooperation.

France’s presidency said its position was consistent with its policy since the start of the conflict, after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Paris for not allowing Israel-bound military flights to cross its airspace.

According to a French parliamentary report, Israel’s procurement from French defense firms totaled about $260 million between 2015 and 2024, primarily involving components rather than complete weapons systems.

France does not directly export arms to Israel but supplies parts used in broader defense production chains.

The decision signals a further deterioration in defense ties between the two countries as the regional conflict intensifies following a military campaign launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28.

Israel’s defense ministry said it viewed the developments “with great severity,” warning of potential long-term impacts on strategic cooperation.

The talks reflected the growing momentum in bilateral relations and the shared interest in expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

The meeting focused on reviewing the current state of relations between the two countries.

Both ministers emphasized the importance of building on previous engagements and identifying new areas where collaboration could produce meaningful results for both sides.

The discussions highlighted opportunities in fields such as trade, investment, tourism, transport, and cultural exchange.

Officials acknowledged that both countries have complementary strengths, and enhancing cooperation could lead to mutual economic and strategic benefits.

The ministers also reviewed recent regional and international developments.

They exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to coordination on matters affecting stability, diplomacy, and global partnerships.

During the talks, the Saudi side expressed openness to exploring deeper ties with Montenegro as part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy of expanding international cooperation.

Montenegro, in turn, reiterated its interest in partnering with Saudi Arabia in development, education, digital innovation, and public-sector modernization.

The meeting further included discussions on potential agreements that could strengthen institutional cooperation between the two countries.
Both sides emphasized the value of boosting communication between government agencies, private sectors, and investment authorities.

Diplomatic officials noted that the dialogue aligns with the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to diversify international partnerships under its broader transformation agenda.

Montenegro welcomed these initiatives and expressed readiness to engage in joint projects that can benefit both nations politically and economically.

The talks concluded with a shared commitment to continue building on existing diplomatic frameworks.

Both ministers stressed that sustained communication and regular high-level visits will support long-term cooperation and enable the two countries to explore new areas of partnership.

As global challenges evolve, the meeting underscored the importance of dialogue between nations with shared goals of stability, development, and economic progress.

Saudi Arabia and Montenegro affirmed that strengthening ties serves their national interests while contributing to wider regional and international collaboration.

The visit is expected to pave the way for future exchanges between officials, experts, and business delegations.

Both sides expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meeting will translate into concrete initiatives that deepen their bilateral relationship.

The Riyadh discussions demonstrated the willingness of both countries to enhance political, economic, and cultural engagement.

With continued cooperation, both nations aim to expand opportunities and build a more dynamic and productive partnership in the years ahead.