North Korea says China's vice foreign minister is visiting Pyongyang, as the two countries mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations later this year.

The ruling Workers' Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Friday that a delegation led by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong arrived in Pyongyang on Thursday.

The details of the visit have not been released, but the delegation could meet with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui.

China and North Korea will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in October.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un jointly designated 2024 as their countries' "Friendship Year" in New Year greetings' messages they exchanged.

China is North Korea's biggest trade partner. North Korean industries and citizens have been impacted by international economic sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic. The two countries are expected to discuss expanding economic cooperation and working together in other areas.

Some experts say North Korea hopes to promote ties with China and Russia, to counter deepening security cooperation between the United States, Japan and South Korea.