Pakistan, June 5 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit North Korea from June 8 to 9, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years as Beijing moves to strengthen relations with its long-time ally.

Read More: Trump praises China's Xi over handling of North Korea

According to Chinese state media, Xi will travel to Pyongyang at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The visit comes at a time when China is seeking to reinforce its influence over North Korea amid evolving regional dynamics and Pyongyang's growing ties with Russia.

The announcement follows a series of high-profile diplomatic engagements by Xi, including recent meetings in Beijing with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Put...