The statement extended warm congratulations to Kim Jong Il who made great contribution to the development of the DPRK-China relations, the cause of national reunification and the world peace and security through his visit to China.

His recent China visit was an epoch-making event as it strikingly demonstrated the unbreakable DPRK-China friendship that is steadily developing generation after generation, the friendship provided by the leaders of the elder generation of the two countries in the flames of the arduous revolutionary struggle and brought into full bloom as common treasure by them, it noted, adding:

The DPRK-China relations of good-neighborly friendship and cooperation have grown stronger after several meetings between the top leaders of the two countries in recent years.

All overseas compatriots will make every possible effort for the national reunification, encouraged by the great successes made by Kim Jong Il through his historic China visit, the statement stressed.