ON January 6, 2021, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) conveyed its warm greetings and best wishes to the 8th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

The past few years have been testing times. The US-led imperialist forces are continuing with their attempts to destabilise the forces of socialism throughout the world. The continued attacks on the DPRK and their reluctance to remove the economic sanctions and blockade imposed on it are all part of such attempts. Instead of using the opportunity of talks to ensure peace in the Korean peninsula, US is continuing with its military exercises in the region and belligerent attitude. It is attempting to convert outer space too as a theatre for war and is refusing to renew various peace treaties that limit the use of nuclear weapons. In this background, your Congress assumes great significance.

The recent pandemic had exposed the chinks in the capitalist system and showcased the superiority of the socialist system. While the capitalist countries have put the economy first and tried to use the pandemic as an opportunity to come out of the deep-rooted global economic crisis, socialist countries like the DPRK prioritised the health of people.

We have noted the impressive efforts made by you as the governing Party of the State of DPRK to lead the country out of the various challenges confronting it, including the devastating cyclones and floods. We have learned that in this 8th Congress you will be self-critically evaluating the implementation of the decisions taken in the past few years and also chalking out a plan for the future.

The CPI(M) hopes that the DPRK will overcome all the challenges posed by imperialism and stand firm to the ideals of Marxism-Leninism and socialist construction. We are confident that the ideals of great revolutionaries like Com Kim Il Sung and Com Kim Jong Il will guide all your endeavours.

The CPI(M) wishes the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea all success. We hope that the decisions arrived at this Congress will contribute to the growth, development and prosperity of the people of DPRK and consolidate the social construction of the country.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) cherishes the fraternal ties with the Workers’ Party of Korea and is confident that the relations between our two parties will be strengthened further in the coming days.