Invited to the banquet were co-chairpersons of the international preparatory committee including Guy Dupre, delegations and delegates from many countries and regions and international bodies.

Present there were Yang Hyong Sop, co-chairman of the international preparatory committee and chairman of the DPRK preparatory committee, Kim Yong Il, secretary of the C.C., Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Jong Suk, vice-chairwoman of the DPRK preparatory committee, and officials concerned.

Kim Jong Suk said in her speech that Kim Il Sung was the world's political elder who steered the 20th century with his great idea and outstanding political ability, and peerlessly great sage who attracted all people with the rays of the sun.

Leader Kim Jong Il was the outstanding successor to the cause of Juche, the sun of the 21st century, prominent veteran statesman and benevolent father of all people, she said, and went on:

Thanks to the dear respected Kim Jong Un, the future of human cause of independence is rosy.

She expressed belief that the participants in the festival will further vigorously conduct solidarity activities of praising the peerlessly great men of Mt. Paektu and supporting the Korean people's efforts for building a thriving nation in the future, too.

Guy Dupre said in his speech that Kim Il Sung was a great man in the 20th century and his great feats will shine long in the history of mankind.

He went on:

The current festival made all the participants feel stronger yearning and reverence for Kim Jong Il.

The Korean people will as ever win victory under the leadership of Kim Jong Un.

Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il will live forever in the hearts of the Korean people and other progressives of the world.