Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- The 17th Kimjongilia Festival was opened with due ceremony here on Thursday to mark the birth anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il.

Displayed in the venue were immortal flowers cultivated by many units including armed forces and power organs, ministries and national institutions, service persons, people of all social standings and school youth and children.

Those flowers were displayed by the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) and overseas compatriots, diplomatic missions and missions of international organizations here, friendship and solidarity organizations of foreign countries, foreigners and Chinese residents in Korea.

Present at the opening ceremony were Kim Ki Nam, Yang Hyong Sop and others, delegations of overseas compatriots and foreign guests.

Kim Chang Do, chairman of the Kimilsungia-Kimjongilia Committee, in his opening address said that Kimjongilia is blooming more beautifully thanks to the reverence of the Korean people and other progressive people for Kim Jong Il growing stronger as the days go by.

At the end of the opening ceremony its participants looked round the venue of the festival which presents fascinating scenery with immortal flowers.