In this regard Tong Kyong Su, chairman of the Art Exchange Association of Korea, told KCNA:

The festival to take place on the occasion of the Day of the Sun, the birthday of President Kim Il Sung, will be a prestigious and high-level international art festival.

The festival organizing committee is now pushing ahead with preparations for the festival.

After deciding to ensure opening and closing ceremonies of the festival in a peculiar style, it strives to renew their venue and provide festival participants with good lodging conditions.

Theatres, cultural houses and concert halls are refurbished for festival performances.

Festival diplomas, cups and posters representing the idea of independence, peace and friendship have also been prepared.

The forthcoming festival will bring together more than 50 art troupes from 20 odd countries, including China, Russia, India, France and Italy.

Among them are the song and dance troupe of the General Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, the Chorus Troupe of the Moscow Tchaikovsky State Conservatory, the Chamber Orchestra Alberic Magnard of France and art, dance and acrobatic troupes involving international and national concours winners and famous artistes.

Also taking part in the festival will be government cultural delegations and personages of literature and art from different countries.

Their performances will be devoted to praising President Kim Il Sung, revered as the sun of Juche by the world progressives.

The festival, to be held from Apr. 11 to 19, will mark a good occasion in boosting international exchange in culture.