Present at the opening ceremony were Choe Hwi, vice-chairman of the C.C., Workers' Party of Korea, Jang Chun Sil, chairwoman of the C.C., Socialist Women's Union of Korea, its officials, women in Pyongyang, Lorena Pena, chairwoman of the Women's International Democratic Federation, and members of its leadership, women delegations and delegates from different countries, and members of foreign diplomatic and international missions here.

Choe Hwi made a congratulatory speech.

He said that the meetings of the WIDF in Pyongyang give courage to the women and other people of the DPRK striving to bring earlier the future of a powerful socialist country, expressing the belief that the meetings would mark a significant occasion in promoting the development of the WIDF and the world women's movement.

Speeches were made.

Jang Chun Sil noted that the WIDF has grown into a powerful force in the struggle for realizing the genuine rights and social emancipation of women and international justice.

She affirmed that the SWUK would fulfill its international obligation and duty as a member of the Secretariat and Executive Committee of the WIDF.

Chairwoman Lorena Pena said that the meetings in Pyongyang are a demonstration of firm solidarity with the Korean people including the women in their just cause.

The WIDF will hold aloft the banner of peace and independence against imperialism, take the lead in boosting friendship and solidarity among progressive women in the world and thus take the lead in the struggle for building a free and peaceful new world, she noted.