North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has wrapped up his third visit to China after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping,... flying back to Pyongyang late Wednesday. <br />And it turns out that he spent a fair amount of time touring Beijing's major city management and research centers,...perhaps hinting at the direction that Kim intends to take his own country.<br />Lee Ji-won has more. <br />North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had a busy second day in Beijing. <br />The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Thursday on Kim's activities,... where he first met with Chinese President Xi Jinping again, following their first meeting on Tuesday. <br /> The report said they met at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in the morning, where Kim stayed during his visit. <br />Kim and President Xi had a one-on-one chat,... where they reportedly exchanged opinions on the current situation and urgent international issues. <br />The two also discussed ways to further strengthen their strategic cooperation given the new circumstances on the Korean Peninsula. <br /><br /> Then... together with their wives-- North Korea's First Lady Ri Sol-ju and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan, the leaders had lunch in a (quote) "harmonious" and "family-like" atmosphere, through which the North's news agency highlighted the deep friendship the two first couples share.<br />After bidding farewell to President Xi and his wife, Kim then toured some of Beijing's research and transportation management centers. <br /><br /> His first stop was the Academy of Agricultural Sciences,... where he was accompanied by Cabinet Premier Pak Pong-ju and Pak Thae-song, the Workers' Party's Vice Chairman for Science and Education. <br />The report explained how the academy does research on the industrialization of agriculture and that Kim toured various research centers, asking questions about their experience and achievements. <br /> Perhaps thinking about implementing the findings in North Korea, Kim noted how the academy's science and technology has greatly contributed to China's agricultural development. <br /><br /> Kim also visited the Beijing Rail Traffic Control Center, where the Chinese capital's railways and subways are controlled and managed. <br />The state-run media report said Kim paid close attention to how the system works and said he was (quote) "amazed" by the excellently programmed control system. <br />And as the final itinerary, Kim dropped by the North Korean Embassy in Beijing.<br /><br /> Expressing great satisfaction for a productive third trip to China, Kim left for North Korea late Wednesday,... arriving at Pyongyang International Airport in the evening. <br />Lee Ji-won, Arirang News. <br />
