North Korea reaffirmed its commitment to friendship and cooperation with China by hosting a commemorative banquet for the 9th Party Congress in Beijing.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party, reported on April 4 that the banquet took place on March 31 at the North Korean embassy in China.
The event was attended by prominent Chinese officials, including Li Shulei, head of the Central Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China, along with representatives from key departments such as the Central Propaganda Department, the International Liaison Department, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic envoys from various countries were also present. The North Korean delegation was led by Ambassador Li Ryong-nam and embassy staff.
In his address, Ambassador Li Ryong-nam characterized the 9th Party Congress as a watershed moment, highlighting the achievements of the past five years and setting the stage for a new era of development. He underscored the significance of Kim Jong Un’s re-election as General Secretary, declaring that it will usher in a new phase of national prosperity guided by the principle of self-reliance.
The ambassador further pledged to bolster unity and cooperation with China while reinforcing the long-standing friendship between North Korea and China and advancing their shared socialist objectives.
In his congratulatory speech, Li Shulei hailed the 9th Party Congress as a momentous occasion for the Workers’ Party of Korea and its citizens. He noted that Kim’s re-election reflects the high level of trust he commands within North Korea. Li emphasized that the Communist Party of China places great importance on Sino-North Korean relations and is committed to fostering the friendship between the two nations.
The banquet concluded with attendees raising a toast to the health of General Secretary Kim and Chinese President Xi Jinping.