A cultural delegation from the northeastern Chinese province of Liaoning poses for a group photo at Sunan International Airport in Pyongyang in this photo carried by the Korean Central News Agency, Jan. 29. Yonhap

A cultural delegation from China's northeastern province bordering North Korea has arrived in Pyongyang to attend a bilateral event for the new year, state media said Tuesday, in what would mark the first such event since the pandemic.

The cultural delegation from China's Liaoning Province arrived at Sunan International Airport in Pyongyang the previous day and began their activities by laying flower baskets in front of the statues of former North Korean leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il at Pyongyang's Mansudae Hill, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

North Korea and China have occasionally held bilateral cultural events marking the new year. The most recent event of this kind took place in January 2020, when a troupe from the northeastern Chinese city of Tianjin performed at the Pongwha Art Theater in Pyongyang.

The delegation's visit comes amid a string of high-level exchanges between North Korea and China as the countries mark their 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year.

China is the North's traditional ally and key economic benefactor.

Last week, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong visited Pyongyang for talks on strengthening bilateral cooperation with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui.

The KCNA has also reported that a North Korean sports delegation led by Sports Minister Kim Il-guk departed for China on Saturday, without elaborating on the purpose of the visit. (Yonhap)