Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, expressed his pleasure of meeting Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), once again after six years, while holding talks with him in Beijing on Thursday.
Kim is in Beijing for commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which took place at the Tian'anmen Square in the heart of Beijing on Wednesday.
"It is a great pleasure to meet you again after six years, Comrade General Secretary Kim Jong Un. During my state visit to your country in June 2019, wherever I went, I could feel the strong atmosphere of China and the DPRK being as close as one family. The solemn China-DPRK Friendship Tower, the spectacular large group calisthenics and art performance, and the warm hospitality of the people of the DPRK all left a lasting impression on me," Xi said.
Kim responded that this meeting after six years brought him a flood of emotions.
"I am filled with emotions to meet you again after six years, Comrade General Secretary. The past six years have seen earthshaking changes and development in China, which impressed me greatly. What touched me even more is the unwavering and profound friendship between our two peoples. Despite the ever-changing world, this friendship will never change," Kim said.
Kim arrived in Beijing on Tuesday.
Xi expresses pleasure to meet Kim again after six years
Xi expresses pleasure to meet Kim again after six years
The organizing committee of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has unveiled the titles, creative visions, and first talents of the opening and closing ceremonies, as Thursday marked 50 days before the event officially gets underway.
Scheduled from March 6 to 15 across multiple Italian cities, the Games will bring together 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions to compete for 79 gold medals across six sporting disciplines.
The opening ceremony, titled "Life in Motion," will be staged at the historic Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a tribute to change and transformation that seeks to redefine disability through a new harmony between people and the environment.
"I paid close attention to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which I consider one of the three or four most beautiful in the history of Olympic ceremonies. This time at the ancient Arena di Verona, we will place greater emphasis on showcasing the human element," the ceremonies' artistic director Alfredo Accatino told a Chinese reporter at the event.
The closing ceremony, themed "Italian Souvenir," will be held on March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, guiding athletes, volunteers, and fans through a journey that captures the emotions and memories of the Games after days of competition and achievement.
Craig Spence, the International Paralympic Committee's Chief Brand and Communications Officer, believes that Italy will deliver "the best Paralympic Games" following the benchmark set by the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022.
"I think what China did in Beijing has really set the benchmark for all future teams competing in the Paralympic Winter Games in terms of performance. That's why I think Milano-Cortina will be the best Paralympic Games we've ever seen for sports," he said.
Milano-Cortina Paralympics reveal opening, closing themes as Games draw near
