According to state media KCNA, a Chinese Communist Party and government delegation led by Vice Premier Liu Guozhong will visit North Korea to celebrate the country’s founding day later this week. The invitation came from the Central Committee of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and the government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The WPK is headed by Kim Jong Un, whose family has governed the reclusive nation since its establishment in 1948.
North Korea observes its founding day on September 9, also known as the Day of the Foundation of the Republic. This year marks the 75th anniversary since the peninsula was liberated from Japanese occupation.
Officials from the United States have stated that Kim may soon travel to Russia to discuss a potential arms deal with President Vladimir Putin. If the visit occurs, it would be Kim’s first trip abroad since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The New York Times, citing unnamed officials, reports that the visit might take place next week. So far, Russia has made no comment on the matter, and North Korean state media have not mentioned any visit to Russia.
In July, a Chinese delegation led by Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Hongzhong visited Pyongyang and attended a military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. This was the first visit by a Chinese delegation since the pandemic began.
During the parade, Li Hongzhong and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, who was also visiting North Korea at the time, were seen standing alongside Kim on North Korean state media. They observed the North’s nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, which are prohibited by the United Nations Security Council.
Last month, North Korea reopened its borders to its citizens for the first time since 2020 when it closed them due to the pandemic.
Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Additional reporting by Josh Smith; Editing by Sandra Maler and Stephen Coates
Credit: The Star : News Feed
