Present there on invitation were Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun, Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Myong San, Jon Yong Jin, vice-chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries who doubles as chairman of the DPRK-Vietnam Friendship Association, and officials concerned.

On hand were staff members of the Vietnamese embassy.

Le Van Cu said in his speech made at the reception that it is the consistent stand of the party, government and people of Vietnam to value the friendly and cooperative relations with the party, government and people of the fraternal DPRK.

He stressed that the Vietnamese party, government and people always support the sustained efforts of the party, government and people of the DPRK for achieving the peaceful reunification of the country.

He wished the Korean people greater success in their efforts to build a powerful and prosperous, socialist country, rallied as one in mind under the leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea headed by General Secretary Kim Jong Il.

Pak Ui Chun in his speech expressed the will to strive with the Vietnamese comrades to further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation in all spheres of politics, economy and culture.

He wished the Vietnamese government and people greater progress and prosperity in their work for socialist construction and regional peace and stability.