Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), arrived in Pyongyang and held talks with Choe Ryong Hae, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly of North Korea.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North Korean Workers’ Party, reported on the 12th that a Chinese delegation led by Chairman Zhao arrived in Pyongyang the previous day and held talks with Chairman Choe.
The newspaper reported that the two discussed issues to enhance and develop the traditional friendship between North Korea and China across all aspects, including politics, economics, and culture, in the Year of Friendship between North Korea and China.
On the 2nd page, it also reported that a series of events, including a dance party for young people and students and a celebratory dance party for female workers and members of the women’s league, were held the previous day to mark the 12th anniversary of Kim Jong Un’s appointment as the highest leader of the party and state.
On page 3, it announced the opening of the 33rd April Spring Friendship Art Festival to commemorate the 112th birthday of Kim Il Sung. Art and dance troupes from other countries, such as Russia, China, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, and Mongolia, participated in the festival. It also reported the arrival of delegations from countries such as Mongolia, Thailand, Nepal, Germany, and Switzerland to participate in the International Juche Idea Seminar commemorating Kim Il Sung’s birthday.
On the 4th page, it introduced projects in regions such as South Hamgyong Province, South Hwanghae Province, and North Hamgyong Province to implement the 20×10 policy for regional development, including propaganda, creating economic forests, and training skilled workers.
On page 5, an article titled “Anticipating Preparation for Disaster Climate” emphasized the need to prepare for abnormal weather. The newspaper explained that the average temperature in March this year was higher than the annual average, and although the amount of rainfall was high, the number of rainy days was low. It suggested embarking on projects such as constructing pumping stations, designing measures to prevent flooding of agricultural land, and securing water.
On page 6, an article titled “Two Systems Seen Through Maternal Love” praised socialism and criticized capitalism. The newspaper listed examples of child murder cases, including a mother throwing a newborn baby into a trash can. It claimed, “The ideology of human hatred, the law of the survival of the fittest, is turning women into beasts. This is the true face of capitalism, which has even dried up maternal love.”