Seoul: Chinese President Xi Jinping has conveyed to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un China's readiness to reinforce strategic cooperation on international and regional matters, as reported by the North's state media. Xi's commitment was expressed in a message delivered to Kim on Thursday, which was in response to Kim's congratulatory telegram for the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korea's Premier Pak Thae-song engaged in discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Pyongyang. During their meeting, Pak expressed support for China's policies on Taiwan and other core national interests. This meeting coincided with Li's visit to Pyongyang for the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea.
In another development, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un paid his respects at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun family mausoleum in observance of the party's 80th founding anniversary. KCNA reported Kim's tribute to former leaders, emphasizing the achievements of the party and state under their guidance.
Kim Jong-un also attended a mass gymnastic and art performance, acknowledging the efforts of those involved in organizing the recent anniversary celebrations. The performance, titled "Long Live the Workers' Party of Korea," showcased the nation's capabilities, as per KCNA reports.
Meanwhile, Ri Son-gwon, who served as the director of North Korea's now-defunct United Front Department, appears to have maintained his director title despite the department's dissolution. KCNA mentioned Ri's speech at a banquet for overseas North Koreans, where he was addressed as "comrade director of the WPK's Central Committee."
Additionally, the North Korean Embassy in Russia hosted a banquet to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea, attended by prominent Russian parliamentary and government officials. The event, according to KCNA, took place last Thursday and included notable figures such as Gennady Zyuganov, Ivan Melnikov, and Deputy Defense Minister Andrey Bulyga.
A delegation from North Korea's electric industry ministry has traveled to Russia to participate in the Russian Energy Week, as reported by KCNA. Led by Minister Kim Yu-il, the delegation departed Pyongyang to engage in global energy discussions.
In a cultural development, North Korea's recent art performance marking the party anniversary displayed elements influenced by K-pop and other external cultures. Footage from the state-run Korean Central Television highlighted a performance featuring synchronized group dancing.
Furthermore, a Russian delegation from the industry and trade ministry arrived in Pyongyang for a joint committee meeting on economic cooperation between the two nations. KCNA noted that the delegation was led by Grigory Gusev of the timber industry department.
Lastly, Kim Jong-un reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing bilateral ties with China in a letter to President Xi Jinping. The message, reported by KCNA, was an acknowledgment of Xi's congratulatory letter for North Korea's 80th party anniversary.