Present there on invitation were Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, Sim Kuk Ryong, O Min, Kim Hyong Hun and other officials concerned, foreign diplomatic envoys and representatives of international organizations here.

The ambassador in her speech referred to the successes made by the Indian government and people in the struggle for socio-political stability and economic development of the country since the foundation of the Republic.

India hopes for mutually beneficial and close relations with the DPRK, the ambassador said, adding that she would strive to further deepen the friendship between the two countries with decades-long history.

Ri Yong Ho noted in his speech that the people of the DPRK have turned out in the new year's march to accelerate the victorious advance of socialism with the spirit of self-reliance and self-development as the great dynamic force under the guidance of respected Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un.

He said that the DPRK government would as always set store by the friendly and cooperative relations with India and expand them in all fields.