The celebration marking the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the ruling Workers' Party was attended by top officials from Russia, China, and Vietnam

North Korea has staged a massive military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers' Party. The event took place at Pyongyang's main square on Friday.

The parade showcased the country's latest weapons systems, including military drones, tanks fitted with modern electronic warfare systems, hypersonic ballistic missiles, and advanced electronic warfare assets.

One of the highlights was the debut of the Hwasong-20, described by state media as North Korea's newest and most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, which is supposedly capable of reaching the continental United States.

In his address marking the occasion, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the celebration was meant to "confirm once again the eternity of our sovereignty," according to state-run KCNA. He vowed to defend the nation's independence through military strength and praised the armed forces for protecting the Workers' Party and its policies. Kim said North Korea will continue to "fulfill its responsibilities in the joint struggle of progressive mankind for opposing injustice" and called his country "a bulwark for independence" against Western hegemony. He also sent "warm encouragement" to North Korean troops stationed abroad.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam, and a Russian delegation led by former President Dmitry Medvedev attended the event.

The parade featured North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian troops in the Ukraine conflict. The troops carried both nations' flags in a symbolic gesture of unity. North Korean units took part in the operation to liberate Russia's Kursk Region after Ukrainian forces launched an incursion there last year.

A day before the parade, Kim met with Medvedev, expressing hope to further strengthen North Korea-Russia ties and build a "strong and comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance." Medvedev, who is also the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, echoed the sentiment, praising "the heroic deed of Korean fighters who helped the Russian military liberate Kursk Region," saying their cooperation "will forever remain in the chronicle of friendship between our two countries."