Naveed Ahmed Khan
ISLAMABAD – Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, attending as the guest of honor, reaffirmed the historical, friendly, and traditional ties between Pakistan and North Korea at a reception marking the 77th Foundation Day of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The event was hosted by the North Korean Embassy at Hotel Movenpick, Islamabad.
The gathering was graced by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Atadjan Movlamov, Kyrgyzstan’s Ambassador Kylychbek Sultan, Myanmar’s Ambassador Wunna Han, Russian Federation’s Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Rear Admiral R. Fred Senevirathne, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador Titus M. J. Abu Basutu, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Andre from the Belarus Embassy and Mr. and Mrs. Thang Truong from the Vietnam Embassy. Political representatives, businessmen, media persons, and friends of DPRK led by President Javaid Anssari were also present. Prominent attendees included Shakil Ahmed of Shakil Express, Rana Sadaqat Ali, World Champion Gold Medalist and Chairman of Pak-DPR Korea Business Association, and renowned Islamabad businessman Tariq Saleem.
Ambassador of DPRK Choe Chang Min and his spouse warmly welcomed the guests, assisted by embassy staff who ensured hospitality throughout the evening.
In his address, Minister Kayani said Pakistan welcomes the recent U.S.–North Korea summits and dialogue between the leaders of North and South Korea. He stressed Pakistan’s continued support for peaceful and balanced efforts toward Korean reunification and announced that the reopening of Pakistan’s embassy in DPRK was under consideration at North Korea’s request.
North Korea’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Choe Chang Min, highlighted the strong and friendly relations between both countries, noting that mutual cooperation on the global stage would continue. He praised the leadership legacy of DPRK’s founding leaders, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, as well as the current leader, Kim Jong Un, under whom he said the nation had achieved milestones in prosperity, development, and public welfare. He reiterated that Pakistan is regarded as a friendly nation by DPRK and voiced hope for further collaboration in international affairs.
The evening opened with the national anthems of both countries and concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting, symbolizing goodwill between the two nations. Guests were later served a sumptuous dinner.
