Chinese Art Troupe Feted

Pyongyang, April 14 (KCNA) -- The International Department of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) hosted a reception for the Chinese art troupe, on a visit to the DPRK to take part in the 31st April Spring Friendship Art Festival, at Pyongyang Koryo Hotel on Friday evening. Present there on invitation were the Chinese art troupe led by Song Tao, head of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and Li Jinjun, Chinese ambassador to the DPRK, and staff members of his embassy. On hand were Vice-Chairman Ri Su Yong and Vice Department Director Ri Chang Gun of the WPK Central Committee and officials of the C.C., WPK and the Ministry of Culture. Ri Su Yong made a speech at the reception. He said that he gladly greets all members of the Chinese art troupe led by Song Tao, head of the International Liaison Department of the C.C., Communist Party of China, who came to Pyongyang with the warm and sincere friendship of the Chinese people toward the Korean people, as the art mission of friendship carrying into practice the noble intentions of the supreme leaders of the two parties. The visit to the DPRK by the famous large-scale art troupe of China, at the time when the DPRK-China friendly relations have entered into a fresh high phase with the historic first China visit by the Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, is of weighty significance in carrying forward and developing the DPRK-China friendship as required by the new times and further consolidating the cornerstone of cultural exchange between the two countries, he said. He expressed belief that all members of the Chinese art troupe would proactively conduct good art activities as the pioneers of the DPRK-China cultural exchange in the future, too, and thus bring joy and encouragement to the peoples of the two countries. He also hoped that the art troupe's performance in the DPRK would register good success. Song Tao spoke next. He said that the current visit of the Chinese art troupe is the first step for implementing the important agreement made by the supreme leaders of the two parties and promoting the development of the China-DPRK friendly relations, as well as a significant cultural and art activity between China and the DPRK. Chairman Kim Jong Un took special steps for the Chinese art troupe's visit with high priority to it, he said, expressing conviction that the troupe would certainly bring about good success in its performance and decorate a new page in the friendly visits between the two parties and two countries. The Chinese party and government sincerely hope that the economy of the DPRK would develop and its people would enjoy a happy life, and are convinced that the Korean people would make greater progress in accomplishing the socialist cause under the guidance of the Workers' Party of Korea headed by Chairman Kim Jong Un, he stressed. The reception proceeded in a fraternal and amicable atmosphere. -0-