Present there on invitation were Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Jong Yong Su, minister of Labour, Kim Jong Suk, chairwoman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, Pak Jae Gyong, vice-minister of the People's Armed Forces, Pak Kil Yon, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Ri Myong San, vice-minister of Foreign Trade, and officials concerned.

Staff members of the Iranian embassy were on hand.

The ambassador in his speech said that Kim Jong Il defended the destiny of the country and the nation and paved the way for building a great prosperous and powerful nation with his distinguished and seasoned leadership.

He expressed belief that the Korean people would make a great leap forward in the building of a thriving nation by displaying the revolutionary spirit of fortitude and thus hold a grandiose celebration event in 2012, the centenary of the birth of President Kim Il Sung.

Noting that Iran and the DPRK, both standing against imperialism, have closely supported and cooperated with each other in international arenas, he stressed that the friendly relations between the two countries would grow stronger under the deep care of their leaders.

Yang Hyong Sop in his speech referred to the undying feats performed by Kim Jong Il on behalf of the country, the people, the times and history.

He said that it is the steadfast stand of the DPRK government to set store by and continue to boost the traditional relations of friendship between the two countries the foundation of which was provided by Kim Il Sung together with the leaders of Iran.

We will, in the future, too, work hard to further strengthen the bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation in all fields, he declared.