Pyongyang

Sitting together with you, representatives of all social strata in Pyongyang, today when our country is rejoicing at its liberation, I can hardly restrain my overflowing emotions.

I am heartily grateful to you, representatives of all walks of life in Pyongyang, for arranging this significant gathering despite the busy life you are leading today to build a new Korea.

Pyongyang has so far not responded to an offer of help from Seoul, according to South Korea's unification ministry.

South Korea's new president Yoon Suk-yeol has taken a hawkish stance on his country's nuclear-armed neighbour, but told lawmakers Monday that he would "not hold back" on aid -- if Pyongyang accepts.