North Korea has stepped up preparations for the 70th anniversary of the country's founding later this month, Kyodo News confirmed Wednesday.
Colorful signs with the words "Cerebrating the 70th anniversary of founding" have been put up along Pyongyang's main roads, with some high school and university students apparently practicing for torchlight marches and mass games toward Sunday's anniversary.
A large number of tourists as well as official delegations have arrived in the North Korean capital ahead of the anniversary. More than 100 foreign journalists are expected to cover related events, locals say.
At Pyongyang International Airport, many photographers of North Korean media have been waiting for dignitaries and celebrities to arrive from abroad. The Yanggakdo International Hotel, one of the main hotels in Pyongyang, has been crowded with visitors from foreign countries.
From Russia, Valentina Matvienko, chairwoman of the Federation Council, will also pay an official visit to North Korea to participate in the events celebrating the 70th founding anniversary, the news agency said.
Among the events likely to be held on the anniversary are a military parade in the heart of the capital and a mass games display at the city's May Day Stadium.
