He was greeted on the spot by leading officials of the Phibada Opera Troupe and officials concerned.

After acquainting himself with the creation of the opera, he watched the Opera "Hong Lu Meng" in the process of creation.

The Phibada Opera Troupe is recreating the Opera "Hong Lu Meng," which had been created and staged in the 1960s, as required by the new century true to the instruction of Kim Jong Il to recreate and widely perform it this year, "the year of DPRK-China friendship."

After appreciating the opera, he expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the creators and artistes of the troupe produced a splendid opera fully meeting the requirements of the original work by devoting all their wisdom and enthusiasm. He highly appreciated their successful creation and extended sincere thanks to them.

Noting that the Opera "Hong Lu Meng" was created in a brief span of time but all its elements ranging from songs, orchestration and stage decor to costumes are on a high artistic level, he said that the success made by the Phibada Opera Troupe proves that it is possible to bring about a remarkable creative upswing when the innovative judgment of the 21st century is combined with the creative mode and work style dating back to the 1970s.

Underscoring the need to round off the Opera "Hong Lu Meng" on the best level and stage it for our people this year, "the year of DPRK-China friendship," he specified tasks and ways to do so.

It is the invariable will of our party and people to further consolidate and develop the precious DPRK-China friendship provided by President Kim Il Sung and leaders of the elder generation of China for a long period, he said, adding that the cultural exchange plays an important role in boosting the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

He was accompanied by Secretary Kim Ki Nam and Department Directors Jang Song Thaek, Choe Ik Gyu and Kim Yang Gon of the Central Committee of the WPK and First Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Sok Ju.