Arrives at Pyongyang Sunan Airport at Noon
State Guests Also Attend from Russia and Vietnam
Li Chang, Premier of the State Council of China (the country's official second-in-command), arrived in Pyongyang on October 9 to attend the 80th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea.
North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui (left) met with Li Chang, Premier of the State Council of China, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on the 29th of last month, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 30th. Screenshot from the Korean Central News Agency website
Xinhua News Agency reported that Premier Li departed from Beijing by private jet in the morning and arrived at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport at noon (Korea Standard Time).
On the North Korean side, Premier Pak Tae-song welcomed Premier Li at the airport along with other senior party and government officials, followed by a welcoming ceremony. Premier Li and Premier Pak Tae-song inspected the honor guard together.
Premier Li stated, "China and North Korea are socialist neighboring countries connected by mountains and rivers, sharing a deep and longstanding traditional friendship. In recent years, under the strategic leadership and direct impetus of General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un, China-North Korea relations have been imbued with renewed vitality."
He continued, "China is willing to faithfully implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of both parties and both countries, strengthen strategic communication, and maintain close exchanges with North Korea. We are also willing to promote China-North Korea friendship and cooperation, and make greater contributions to peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region and the world," according to Xinhua News Agency.
Previously, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Premier Li would lead a Chinese party and government delegation to visit North Korea from October 9 to 11.
With the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea approaching on October 10, North Korea, marking a major anniversary (celebrated every five or ten years in socialist countries), has prepared large-scale commemorative events and sent invitations to high-level officials from various countries.
From Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council and Chairman of the United Russia Party-considered a close confidant of President Vladimir Putin-will visit North Korea, while from Vietnam, To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party and the country's top-ranking official, will pay a state visit to North Korea for three days starting today.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
