The visit took place at the invitation of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
North Korea celebrates its National Day on 9 September. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Korean Peninsula from Japanese occupation.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Photo: Reuters
In July, a Chinese delegation led by Politburo member Li Hongzhong visited Pyongyang and participated in a military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. This was the first visit of a Chinese delegation to North Korea after the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the parade, Mr Lee and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, who is also visiting North Korea, appeared next to Mr Kim Jong-un looking at ballistic missiles carrying nuclear warheads.
On September 6, American officials said that Kim Jong Un may soon visit Russia. This will be his first foreign trip after the Covid-19 pandemic. US sources revealed that Kim Jong-un is planning to discuss a possible arms deal with President Vladimir Putin.
Sheet new York Times Citing unnamed officials, the visit could take place next week. The Kremlin said it had “nothing to say” and North Korean media made no mention of any visit to Russia.