North Korea’s ruling party turns 80 with foreign leaders in attendance

North Korea is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party, with various foreign dignitaries and leaders in attendance. This event highlights North Korea’s efforts to strengthen its relationships with key global players like China and Russia, who are sending high-level representatives to join in the commemoration.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has established China as his most significant ally, while also forging ties with Russia. In a show of solidarity, Kim Jong Un recently stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Beijing for a military parade marking the end of World War II.

While specific details of the commemoration remain undisclosed, foreign leaders have started arriving in Pyongyang for the event. Among them is Premier Li Qiang, the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit North Korea since 2019. Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party’s Politburo, holds significant influence in China as the country’s No. 2 leader after President Xi Jinping.

Russia is also sending Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president and current deputy head of the Security Council, to participate in the anniversary celebrations. North Korea has been enhancing its cooperation with Russia, providing combat troops and ammunition to support Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Additionally, Communist Party General Secretary To Lam of Vietnam has arrived in North Korea for the celebrations. As the top leader in Vietnam, To Lam holds a position equivalent to Kim Jong Un’s leadership role in the North Korean Workers’ Party. The visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Thongloun Sisoulith, the president of Laos and general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, is also expected to attend the event. The participation of these foreign leaders underscores the significance of the Workers’ Party anniversary and the diplomatic relationships between North Korea and its allies.