North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening solidarity among socialist nations in his responses to congratulatory messages from the leaders of Laos and Cuba on his reelection as Chairman of the State Affairs Commission.
The Workers’ Party official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on its front page on Thursday that Kim expressed confidence in the continued deepening of friendly cooperative relations between North Korea and Laos, in line with their agreement. In his reply to Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Kim emphasized the high value he places on their relationship, rooted in the shared struggle for socialist development.
The second page of the newspaper characterized the working class as the core driving force behind comprehensive socialist development, stressing ideological unity. Citing Kim’s assertion that the working class represents the most powerful force for creation and transformation, the paper highlighted achievements at the Chŏnsŏng Coal Mine and Sangwon Cement Complex to underscore the principles of increased production and self-reliance.
The third page focused on the success of local development policies, using Jagang Province’s mountainous regions as an example. The paper reported on the emergence of industrial plants in previously barren areas, showcasing transformations in counties like Rangrim and Janggang. It emphasized improvements in residents’ living conditions and their increased faith in Party policies. The newspaper also portrayed local development policies as a miraculous sword overturning outdated perceptions, showcasing efforts to reduce regional disparities. It reinforced its message through grassroots propaganda, featuring letters from children and testimonials from residents.
Page 4 emphasized the paramount importance of ideological loyalty, asserting that the leader’s ideology should be the basis for all judgment and decision-making. The newspaper argued that the path to comprehensive socialist development is uncharted territory, insisting that all decisions must align with the leader’s ideological framework.
The fifth page reported on construction progress in the Hwasong area, highlighting achievements in capital development. It stated that the Ministry of Information Industry and the Ministry of Railways have swiftly processed vast amounts of soil and are vigorously advancing foundational work. The paper also detailed the accomplishments of various units, including the Second Brigade of provincial and central agencies, the People’s Service Guidance Bureau, and trade bureaus in Bonghwa and Kyŏnghŭng, emphasizing the rapid pace of construction.
Page 6 spotlighted performances by Russian artists at the 34th April Spring Friendship Art Festival. It mentioned several groups, including the National Guard Academy of the Russian Federation and the Alexandrov Ensemble of the Russian Army. The paper highlighted performances such as the choral piece “Dear Parent” and the mixed choir “In the Arms of My Destiny.” The report concluded that these performances further strengthened North Korea-Russia friendship and reinforced the praise of great leaders.