North Korea marked the 77th anniversary of its founding day on Tuesday with a flurry of celebrations, receiving congratulatory messages from various nations including China and Russia, while hosting a range of internal festivities to bolster the celebratory mood.
The state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on its front page that Chinese President Xi Jinping had sent a congratulatory message to Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. Xi referenced their recent meeting during the 80th Victory Day anniversary, stating they had jointly crafted a roadmap for advancing bilateral relations.
Xi further emphasized that moving forward, it aims to enhance strategic communication and strengthen the exchanges and cooperation. Further noting that this will foster the friendship between our nations and advance its shared socialist cause. He also expressed China’s readiness to make substantial contributions to regional and global peace and development.
The newspaper also covered a reception held at the North Korean embassy in Moscow on September 5. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, who attended the event, characterized the recent North Korea-Russia summit in Beijing as a reaffirmation of both nations’ resolve to jointly confront emerging international challenges.
The publication featured full texts of congratulatory messages sent to Kim from Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel. It also reported that Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent floral tributes.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had already dispatched a congratulatory message to Kim on September 4.
High-ranking officials from the party, government, and military, including Premier Pak Tae-sung and Choe Ryong-hae, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly, attended various celebratory events. These included watching a women’s soccer match between the April 25 team and the Pyongyang team. A youth gathering featuring fireworks was held the previous evening at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, along with a reunion of patriotic contributors and young pioneers.
In its editorial titled, The Dignity and Strength of Our Great Nation Will Be Eternal, the newspaper underscored North Korea’s image as a formidable nation. It lauded Kim as a statesman and patriot who has transformed the country into a military powerhouse with unparalleled self-defense capabilities, ensuring the full realization of the people’s ideals and aspirations in building a prosperous and mighty nation.