North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised his country’s “struggle against a U.S.-led military threat” and vowed to transform North Korea into what he called “the best socialist paradise in the world,” during his speech at the state’s anniversary celebrations attended by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, and Vietnamese Communist Party leader To Lam.

Kim’s speech comes on the eve of the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party, which falls on Friday, as he seeks to strengthen an anti-Western partnership with other countries, even while signaling interest in resuming diplomacy with the United States.

The military parade is expected to be the highlight of North Korea’s anniversary events, likely held later on Friday in a square in Pyongyang, with Kim expected to stand alongside leaders from China, Russia, and others to watch a display of some of his most advanced weapons targeting the U.S. and its allies.

On Thursday, Kim Jong Un met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Deputy President Dmitry Medvedev on the sidelines of the celebrations, according to North Korean media.

Kim praised Beijing’s efforts to maintain “friendship and cooperation” between the two countries, according to the North Korean news agency.

China remains North Korea’s closest ally despite tensions over Pyongyang’s nuclear program.

Chinese Premier Li said that “maintaining, developing, and enhancing traditional friendship and cooperation is an unwavering policy of China,” according to the Chinese news agency Xinhua.

The Workers’ Party celebrations show North Korea’s renewed efforts to strengthen relations with key global players and allies such as China and Russia, which sent high-level representatives.

Kim stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Beijing to attend a massive military parade marking the end of World War II.