The statement said that Kim Jong Il advanced the grand goal to open the gate to a thriving nation in 2012, the centenary of birth of President Kim Il Sung, the great leader of the Korean people, and has paid ceaseless visits to various domains of the national economy including the construction sites of the Huichon Power Station from the outset of this year, thus wisely leading the drive for building an economic power.

The DPRK has wrought world-startling miracles despite the imperialists' vicious moves against it, and such achievements greatly inspire the world people in their struggle for independence and progress, the statement noted.

The revolutionary people of the world carrying on the struggle for independence, peace and progress extend the highest glory to Kim Jong Il who has performed big feats in accomplishing the socialist cause, it stressed.