Lu added that the North Korean officials visited to “observe economy building and reform in China” and that the two parties also shared experiences on ruling the state. The previous day, Lu said the two countries “maintain normal exchanges” but did not confirm the visit. North Korea is scheduled to hold a summit with the United States next month and, taking into consideration that the meeting goes well, appears to be eying the prospects of an easing of sanctions and steps to develop its economy. The North’s Workers’ Party delegation is expected to observe provincial and city governments and discuss economic cooperation with Chinese officials and return to Pyongyang on May 24. Pak is considered to be a key aide to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and is said to be in charge of science, technology and education policies for the party. Other members of the delegation include Ryu Myong-son, a department deputy director of the Central Committee, Kim Nung-o, chairman of the North Pyongan Workers’ Party Central Committee, and Kim Su-kil, chairman of the Pyongyang City Committee of the Workers’ Party. Their visit follows North Korean leader Kim’s second trip to China in less than two months last week. Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their second summit in Dalian, China’s easternmost port city. Amid easing of diplomatic tensions following their first summit in late March, earlier this month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Pyongyang. It was the first time a Chinese top envoy visited North Korea in 11 years. It was reported that the North Korean officials also would brief Beijing officials about U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to Pyongyang last week.