Pyongyang, January 1 (KCNA) -- Following are major news items and articles in leading newspapers of the DPRK on Wednesday:

- A grand performance was given on the occasion of the New Year 2025. (photos accompanied)

- The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent a congratulatory message to the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and the president of the Republic of Cuba.

- Kim Jong Un received a message of greeting from the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

- He received New Year cards from heads of state, leaders of political parties and personages of various circles of different countries on the occasion of the New Year.

- He sent a birthday spread to a centenarian in Popdong County, Kangwon Province.

- A banquet was given to celebrate the New Year 2025.

- A national flag-hoisting ceremony was held and fireworks displayed to mark the New Year 2025.

- An evening gala of youth and students on the occasion of the New Year 2025 took place.

- A ceremony for moving into new houses was held at the Jangsuwon Farm of the Pyongyang Municipal Rural Economy Committee.

- Posters were produced to encourage to the new struggle and feats for implementing the Party's decision.

- The Haeju Schoolchildren's Footwear Factory was inaugurated.

- The open-air ice rink in downtown of Pyongyang began its operation.

Rodong Sinmun

- An article says that the international situation in 2024 proved most clearly that if one is weak, he can neither defend the sovereignty and dignity of the state and the security of the people nor enjoy peace.

Minju Joson

- The DPRK foreign minister and the deputy prime minister and concurrently minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia exchanged messages of greeting. -0-