BEIJING, May 20 Reuters China39;s exports to North Korea in April rose at a marginal pace from a year earlier, reversing an annual decline in March, customs data showed on Monday, as Pyongyang affirmed its position to develop longstanding ties with China.

China is the chief ally and economic lifeline for North Korea, which has been hardhit by U.N. sanctions over its nuclear weapons programme.

Shipments to North Korea last month increased 0.54 from a year earlier to 164.9 million, reversing the 5.66 drop in March, data released by China39;s General Administration of Customs showed.

On monthonmonth base, China39;s exports to North Korea rose 28.9 in April.

Some top Chinese exports to North Korea included processed hair and wool for use in wigs, soybean oil and wheat flour.

China39;s top legislator Zhao Leji on April 13 met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, marking the highestranking Chinese official to visit the North since 2018. Zhao expressed Beijing39;s willingness to work with Pyongyang to deepen trust and boost cooperation.

Kim also expected the two countries to steadily carry forward and develop this durable traditions of friendship, North Korean state media KCNA reported on April 14.

Reporting by Beijing newsroom; Editing by Christian Schmollinger

Source Reuters