The statement noted that his visit to China was a great event which would shine long in the history of the DPRK-China friendship.

The party and state leaders of China warmly welcomed Kim Jong Il and accorded warm hospitality to him, the statement noted, adding that this was a clear expression of high respect and reverence for him, an elder statesman of the world.

It went on:

His visit to China is a historic event that made an epochal contribution to defending peace and security in Northeast Asia including the Korean Peninsula and the rest of the world, strengthening the unity and cooperation among the progressive peoples in their efforts for independence and encouraging the human cause of independence.

All the party members of the Socialist Popular Party of Mexico sincerely wish Kim Jong Il leading the drive of the Workers' Party of Korea and the Korean people to open the gate to a thriving nation in 2012 greater success in his noble work, the statement stressed.