Present there were Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim Ki Nam, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Ro Tu Chol, vice-premier of the Cabinet, and others, officials concerned, working people and artistes in Pyongyang.

It was also attended by foreign artistes, Korean artistes overseas and delegations of different countries, diplomatic envoys, representatives of international organizations and various embassy officials here, foreign guests and overseas compatriots staying in the DPRK.

Minister of Culture Kang Nung Su, chairman of the organizing committee of the festival, delivered an opening address.

He warmly welcomed foreign artistes and Korean artistes overseas who came here to participate in the 26th April Spring Friendship Art Festival taking place in Pyongyang at a significant time when the Korean people are commemorating the birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung as the greatest holiday of the nation.

He recalled that the festival has developed into a grand international gathering of the progressive artistes desirous of genuine culture and arts and a stage of friendship for boosting the cultural exchange and cooperation among countries generation after generation.

Noting that the festival will provide artistes of different countries of the world with a meaningful occasion of swapping successes and experience gained in the creation of national arts and contributing to the development of human culture and arts, guided by the noble idea of independence, peace and friendship, he expressed the belief that the participants in the festival would achieve great successes in their performing activities.

Bai Shuxiang, vice-president of the China Federation of Literature and Art Circles, and Boris Teblin, head of the State Academy Ensemble Named after Sveshnikov of Russia, made congratulatory speeches.

Then, Korean artistes in costumes of different countries presented graceful dances reflecting the ardent yearning and profound reverence of all people for Kim Il Sung to the tune of "Song of Mangyongdae".

Seen on the background of the stage were scenes showing Kim Il Sung and General Secretary Kim Jong Il watching performances given during the festivals and receiving artistes from different parts of the world who participated in the festivals.

A performance was given by Korean artistes at the opening ceremony.