Top DPRK leader pays tribute to CPV martyrs in cemetery visit

In this photo provided by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) government, Kim Jong-un (foreground), top leader of the DPRK, prepares to offer a flower at the cemetery of the Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the victory in the country's Fatherland Liberation War in Pyongyang, July 25, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

SEOUL – Kim Jong-un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), paid tribute to the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the victory in the country's Fatherland Liberation War, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Wednesday.

Kim Jong-un paid a silent tribute in memory of the CPV martyrs, and then placed a flower before the grave of Mao Anying at the cemetery and paid a tribute to him, according to the official Korean Central News Agency 

Kim, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, visited the cemetery of CPV martyrs in Hoechang County of South Phyongan province, according to the report.

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A wreath in the name of Kim was laid at the monument to the CPV martyrs. Written on the ribbons of the wreath were letters reading "Martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteers will Be Immortal," said the report.

Kim paid a silent tribute in memory of the CPV martyrs, and then placed a flower before the grave of Mao Anying at the cemetery and paid a tribute to him, it said.

During the event, Kim said that the CPV martyrs are recorded in history as a foundation and model of the DPRK-China friendship, and their noble life would be immortal in the hearts of the people of the DPRK.

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The history and tradition of unity between the two peoples would be carried forward through generations, he added.

Kim was accompanied by Jo Yong-won, presidium member of the political bureau and secretary of the WPK Central Committee, Kang Sun-nam, minister of National Defence of the DPRK, Choe Son-hui, minister of Foreign Affairs, Kim Song-nam, department director of the WPK Central Committee, and Kim Yo-jong, vice-department director of the WPK Central Committee.

The construction of the 90,000-square-meter cemetery was completed in 1957.