Beijing: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un departed for Beijing by private train to attend a Chinese event marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this marks Kim's debut on the multilateral diplomatic stage, as he is set to stand alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a military parade.
Kim Chon-il, director of the Department of Press and Information of the North's foreign ministry, confirmed Kim's departure on Monday, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim is expected to participate in celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
The North Korean leader is accompanied by senior party and government officials, including Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. The official was quoted as saying that these officials are joining Kim as part of the delegation to Beijing.