(Right Image) North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-Hui (left) shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during their meeting at the Mansudae Assembly all in Pyongyang on Sept. 29, 2025. KCNA/YONHAP
SEOUL, October 09 (AJP) -Buoyed by high-profile summits with Chinese and Russian leaders, North Korea is set to mark the 80th anniversary of its ruling Communist party on Friday with a grand display of its latest weaponry and the presence of dignitaries from fellow socialist nations.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Pyongyang on Thursday, making the highest-level visit from Beijing since 2019 to attend the anniversary celebrations of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
Li is leading a Chinese delegation at the invitation of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the North Korean government, according to Xinhua News Agency.
He was received by North Korean Premier Kim Tok Hun and other senior officials at an official welcoming ceremony that included an inspection of a guard of honor.
“China and North Korea are socialist neighbors with deep traditional ties. Under the strategic guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un, our relations have gained new vitality,” Li said.
Russia, which has strengthened military ties with Pyongyang after North Korea sent combat troops and ammunition to support its war against Ukraine, dispatched Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council.
The Russian delegation also includes Vladimir Vasilyev, leader of the United Russia party in the State Duma, and Vladimir Yakushev, the party’s secretary general. Other members are Alexander Kozlov, Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources, and Oleg Kozhemyako, Governor of Primorsky Krai — reflecting expanding economic cooperation with North Korea.
North Korea is preparing a large-scale military parade on the eve of the anniversary, though plans may be adjusted due to rain in the forecast.
Other foreign dignitaries include Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary To Lam and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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