Present there were Choe Pong Gil, chairman of the United Confederation of Koreans in Russia, Sok Song, first vice-chairman of the confederation, and other officials and compatriots.

On hand were the DPRK ambassador to Russia and his embassy officials.

Prior to the meeting, the participants placed a floral basket and bunches of flowers before the full-length painting of President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and paid tribute to them.

The speakers said at the meeting that the birthday of Kim Jong Il is a significant common holiday of not only the people in the homeland but the Koreans overseas and the world progressives.

They vowed to follow him, holding him in high esteem as the lodestar of Korea's reunification, and strive to glorify this year marking the 10th anniversary of the publication of the June 15 joint declaration as a year which will witness a fresh phase in the movement for independent reunification.

At the end of the meeting, the participants looked round works of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and photos on the heroic struggle of the Korean people displayed in the embassy.

Then followed a reception and an art performance.

They also watched the Korean film introducing scenic spots which turned into wonderful recreation centers for the people in the era of Songun.