Present there on invitation were Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Borodavkin, former Defence Minister of the Soviet Union Yazov, Chairman of the Russia-DPRK Friendship Parliamentary Group of the State Duma Chilingarov and other members of the State Duma and the Federation Council and personages of political parties, ministries, organizations and institutions of Russia.

Ambassador Kim Yong Jae and staff members of the DPRK embassy were on hand.

The participants laid floral baskets and flowers before the full-length portrait of President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and paid profound tribute to them.

They looked round the photos displayed on the theme of "Leader Kim Jong Il and youths."

Kim Yong Jae said at the reception that the birth of Kim Jong Il was a great auspicious event of the Korean nation as it promised the rosy future for carving out the Korean people's destiny and accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Juche.

Saying that the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and Russia are now developing on better terms in politics, economy, culture and other fields under the deep care of the top leaders of the two countries, he expressed the expectation that the Russian people would register greater successes in the efforts to build powerful Russia.

Borodavkin in his speech wished Kim Jong Il, chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK who has made great contribution to the development of the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, good health and success in his work for the Korean people's welfare.

The treaty adopted between the two states and the agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries entirely conform with the interests of the two peoples, he said, adding: They are not only contribution to ensuring peace and security in Asia and the rest of the world but also reliable guarantee for further boosting the bilateral cooperation and strengthening cooperation in the international arena.

An art performance was given by Russian artistes at the reception.