The statement said:

The International Preparatory Committee for "Gathering 2017-Praise to Great Persons of Mt Paektu" issued an official statement calling upon all the progressive peoples of the world, including the preparatory committees across the world and friendship and solidarity organizations with the Korean people, to splendidly greet 2017.

This year is of significance as it marks the 105th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung, the 75th birth anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il and the 5th anniversary of HE Kim Jong Un's election to the top posts of the Party and the state of the DPRK.

And August is a month associated with the national liberation exploits of Generalissimo Kim Il Sung and the Songun leadership exploits of Generalissimo Kim Jong Il.

The International Preparatory Committee decided to magnificently erect the Monument to the Great Persons of Mt Paektu in Mt Paektu area and hold a grand international gathering in praise of the peerlessly great persons of Mt Paektu in the area of Mt Paektu and Pyongyang.

It also decided to name the future event as the "International Festival in Praise of the Great Persons of Mt Paektu" and "Gathering 2017-Praise to the Great Persons of Mt Paektu" as the 5th International Festival in Praise of the Great Persons of Mt Paektu, according to the sequence order of events held in praise of the great persons so far.

We express full support for the official statement of the International Preparatory Committee and will make a positive contribution to the erection of the above-said monument and festival.